Iraq's soccer team celebrates with militia leaders after Gulf Cup victory
The team held up a photo of militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who was killed by a US drone strike in 2020.
The Iraqi men’s football (soccer) team met with Iraqi militia, religious and political leaders Saturday and Sunday in celebration of their victory in the Gulf Cup.
What happened: Iraq defeated Oman 3-2 in the Gulf Cup final Thursday in a thrilling match that went into overtime. The tournament was held in the southern Iraqi city of Basra.
This was the first time Iraq had hosted the Gulf Cup since 1979, after which multiple wars and the Islamic State conflict eroded security in the country.
The victory prompted celebrations throughout Iraq. On Sunday, Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Units hosted the Iraqi team for a victory ceremony. The team presented PMU leader Falih al-Fayyadh with the Gulf Cup trophy at the ceremony, according to a PMU press release.
