Hundreds of Iraqi Fans Flood Boston Before 1st World Cup Match Since 1986

3 articles · Updated · The Boston Globe · Jun 16

Hundreds of Iraqi supporters filled Boston streets late Monday, singing, dancing and waving flags ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup opener against Norway in Foxborough.
11 p.m. celebrations stretched from Boston Common to Government Center, with scarves, darbuka drums and even a replica World Cup trophy lifted above the crowd.
Iraqi, Scottish and Norwegian fans mingled in the procession, while banners for Kurds and Chaldean Christians underscored how the team’s diversity has become a symbol of unity.
1986 was the last time Iraq reached the World Cup, and fans say the return carries added weight after decades of war and sectarian violence.
Norway, Senegal and France await in a difficult group, but supporters arrived hopeful after underdogs such as Cape Verde opened the tournament with a surprise draw against Spain.