The US could still try to play the ethnic card in Iran
But past experience and current geopolitical realities show such a strategy is doomed to failure.
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From: NewsFeed
Iraq coach says World Cup can help ‘change perception’ of country
Over those past four decades, Iraq has faced a number of crises, including wars and separatist movements.
Published On 1 Apr 2026
Football fans in the Karrada district of Baghdad celebrate after Iraq became the 48th and final team to qualify for the World Cup. [Ahmad Al-Rubaye/AFP]
Iraqis celebrate after Iraq defeated Bolivia 2-1 in the inter-confederation playoff to qualify for the World Cup. [Thaier Al-Sudani/Reuters]
The Iraqi team beat Bolivia in their World Cup 2026 playoff final. [Hadi Mizban/AP Photo]
Iraq became the 48th and final team to qualify for the World Cup with a nerve-shredding 2-1 win. [Hadi Mizban/AP Photo]
Iraq, whose preparations were disrupted by the US-Israel war on Iran, sealed their first appearance at the finals in 40 years and will play in Group I against France, Senegal and Norway. [Hadi Mizban/AP Photo]
Goals from Ali al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein secured Iraq's famous win. [Ahmed Saad/Reuters]
Iraq will face Norway in their opening game on June 16 in Boston. [Thaier Al-Sudani/Reuters]
The jubilant crowd brought traffic to a standstill. [Hadi Mizban/AP Photo]
Government officials had promised financial bonuses for a win and declared a two-day holiday following victory. [Fernando Llano/AP Photo]
Iraqi football fans celebrate after the World Cup playoff final match between Iraq and Bolivia in Monterrey, Mexico. [Fernando Llano/AP Photo]
+6
The World Cup lineup is complete. These 48 teams are going to North America
A breakdown of the teams and groups of the FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the US after the final playoffs.
Iran war: What is happening on day 33 of US-Israel attacks?
Donald Trump says US could leave Iran war in 2-3 weeks without a deal; Iran’s FM Araghchi says he has no faith in talks.
Iraq ends 40-year wait for World Cup with 2-1 win over Bolivia
Goals from Ali al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein send Iraq to their first FIFA World Cup since 1986.
From: NewsFeed
Residents inspect drone damage near Erbil airport
Residents living near Erbil’s international airport in northern Iraq, say falling drone debris has damaged properties.
Published On 1 Apr 2026
From: NewsFeed
American journalist kidnapped in Baghdad
American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson has been kidnapped in broad daylight in Baghdad.
Published On 1 Apr 2026
Foreign journalist kidnapped in Iraq: Interior Ministry
Iraq’s Ministry of Interior says one suspect arrested after ‘unknown individuals’ kidnap journalist.
EXPLAINER
War on Iran: Washington’s history of making other nations pay for conflicts
White House says Trump could ask Arab nations to bear the cost of the Iran war.
Iran war: What is happening on day 32 of US-Israel attacks?
In an exclusive interview with Global News Insight, Secretary of State Rubio said US war objectives would be achieved in ‘weeks’.
