Today, Sunday, security and logistical preparations began in Basra province to secure the match between the Iraqi national team and its Kuwaiti counterpart as part of the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ahmed Al-Mousawi, a member of the Iraqi Football Federation, told Baghdad Network: “All logistical, technical, and security arrangements have been completed before the match and are proceeding according to the set plan,” noting that the federation, in coordination with security authorities, has implemented a plan to facilitate the entry and exit of spectators.
He added, “The organizational preparations for the match appear to be complete, as the training fields for the Iraqi team have been fully prepared for their pre-match training sessions against Kuwait.”
Basra International Stadium, which accommodates 65,000 spectators, has been unveiled in its new look after completing maintenance and renovation work, just five days before the highly anticipated match.
Meanwhile, the Kuwait Football Association announced the start of ticket registrations for fans wishing to attend the match. The association called on fans to visit the Public Relations Department at its headquarters in Al-Adailiya on Sunday and Monday from 9:00 to 11:00 PM, in coordination with the Kuwaiti national team supporters’ association, and to bring a copy of their passport.
The association stated that registration will remain open until the allocated number of tickets is filled. It also specified that applicants must be at least 18 years old. Additionally, the Kuwaiti federation confirmed that it will cover transportation costs for fans from the association’s headquarters to Basra at 2:00 PM on Thursday, March 20, and will provide match tickets, entry visas, and breakfast.
It is worth noting that the Kuwaiti team recently lost 3-1 in a friendly match against China as part of its preparations to face Iraq on Thursday.
