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Iraq is headed back to the World Cup for the first time in 40 years after one of the longest and most dramatic qualification journeys in the world. Valair Shabilla explores how soccer became a source of unity and hope through decades of war, hardship, and political turmoil, from the unforgettable 2007 Asian Cup triumph to the celebrations that followed qualification for 2026. Plus, a look at Iraq’s current squad, the rise of dual-national talent, legendary captain Younis Mahmoud, and what this return to the world stage means for Iraqis around the world.
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Colombia, James Rodríguez & World Cup Passion - Ep. 13 First Touch Weekly Presented by Soccer.com
4 days ago16:41
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"First Touch ’26 - Iraq" is an episode of Kickback '26. Runtime 17 min. Published May 13, 2026. Hit play above to stream it here, or open the free Spot Sports app for background play and offline downloads.
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Quick FAQ
- When was this episode published?
- May 13, 2026.
- How long is this episode?
- 17 min.
- What podcast is this from?
- Kickback '26. Browse the full back catalog on the show page.
- What does this episode cover?
- Kickback '26 covers soccer. This episode runs on the show's regular cadence.
