Thousands gathered in Baghdad on Saturday morning to welcome home the triumphant Iraqi football team, fresh off their qualification for the World Cup.

Iraq, whose preparations were disrupted by the war in the Middle East, sealed their first appearance at the finals in 40 years and will play in Group I against France, Senegal and Norway.

Goals from Ali Al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein secured a famous win for Iraq, whose last appearance at the World Cup came at Mexico in 1986.

Known as the “Lions of Mesopotamia”, the players were greeted by Prime Minister Shia al-Sudani on their return on Friday and on Saturday morning were driven in an open-topped bus through the capital — cheered by thousands of men, women and children.

Hassan Khalifa, who attended the celebrations, told AFP it was “a memory that will remain etched in our minds”.

“This qualification for the World Cup marks the beginning of a new era in the history of Iraqi football,” he said.

In a statement, the Iraqi cabinet said in light of the “historic achievement” the team would be given residential properties, granted diplomatic passports — and a song about their achievements would be commissioned.

The statement also suggested that commemorative stamps be issued, a mural be painted in the capital, and a street in each governorate should be named after the “Lions of Mesopotamia”.

The statement said the measures would be approved in an upcoming cabinet meeting.

– Difficulties –

Iraq has been drawn unwillingly into the war launched by the US and Israel on February 28, with strikes targeting US interests on its soil as well as attacks against Iraqi pro-Iran groups.

In the aftermath of the first strikes, Iraq closed down its airspace. As a result, the Iraqi team faced a gruelling three-day journey to their match, and returned via Jordan.

Ahead of the match, coach Graham Arnold worked on keeping players’ minds off the conflict which has killed more than 100 people in the country so far.