The administration of Basra Province has decided to grant an official holiday to all government and educational institutions tomorrow, Tuesday, November 18th. This is to provide an opportunity to encourage the 'Lions of the Euphrates' national team in the second leg match against the UAE's 'Al-Abda' team in the final Asian qualifying round, which is a qualifier for the World Cup 2026 playoffs. The province stated in an official announcement that it has been decided to suspend official work in the province for tomorrow, Tuesday, to provide the public with the opportunity to support and cheer for the 'Lions of the Euphrates' team in the second leg after the first match ended in a 1-1 draw, which was held at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in the capital Abu Dhabi last Thursday. The province's administration confirmed that the decision to suspend work comes due to the massive public momentum and the desire to provide an appropriate atmosphere to support the Iraqi national team.
