Iraqi Football Fans Return to Kuwait After 34 Years for Historic World Cup Qualifier

Thousands of Iraqi football fans are set to make history as they cross into Kuwait for the first time in over three decades to attend a World Cup qualifier. This marks a significant moment in the relationship between the two countries, which has been strained since the 1990 invasion of Kuwait by Saddam Hussein’s regime. The match, scheduled for 7 p.m. at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, reflects slowly warming ties between Iraq and Kuwait, 20 years after Saddam’s fall.

The scene at the Iraqi border saw busloads of fans eagerly awaiting their chance to witness the game, with many expressing a sense of nostalgia and hope for better relations. “I haven’t seen Kuwait in over 30 years,” said Abbas Abdelatif from Basra. “There was war, but now, God willing, things will improve.”

Iraq currently leads Group B of the Asian Football Confederation’s 2026 World Cup qualifying rounds. This football match is not just a game but a symbol of diplomacy in action. Football has become a tool for Iraq to rebuild ties with Gulf states, as demonstrated by Iraq hosting the Gulf Cup in Basra last year for the first time since 1979.

While the event signifies progress, there are still sensitive issues between the two nations. Relations between Iraq and Kuwait have seen a gradual thaw, though disputes remain, such as the recent Iraqi court ruling invalidating a maritime border agreement with Kuwait. Moreover, a gaffe by Iraqi Football Federation president Adnan Dirjal, who mistakenly referred to Kuwait as an Iraqi province, briefly reignited tensions.

Despite these challenges, the presence of 5,000 Iraqi fans in Kuwait is viewed as a goodwill gesture by both sides. Iraqi football officials are hopeful that the rivalry will remain confined to the field. “It’s a sporting competition, not politics,” said Yousif Faal, the spokesperson for the Iraqi football federation.

For many Iraqi fans, the game represents more than football. “I hope the legacy of Saddam dies with this generation,” said fan Amer Hakim. “The Iraqi people shouldn’t be blamed for what happened under Saddam’s regime.”