For many of us in the Assyrian community, the upcoming Iraq vs. Bolivia match feels like more than just a football game—it feels like a moment we’ve been waiting for our entire lives. It also doesn’t hurt that the team has a record number of Assyrians (4)!
To say the anticipation is high would be an understatement. Iraqis from across the world are making their way to Monterrey, Mexico for this decisive clash. From Toronto alone, multiple flights over the past 24 hours have carried hundreds of fans. Across the U.S., many more are traveling by air and road.
It’s estimated that 15,000 to 20,000 Iraqi supporters will be in the stadium—an incredible presence in a 50,000-seat venue. That kind of turnout, so far from home, speaks volumes.
And for those not attending, the energy here is just as strong. In Toronto, I’ve come across countless watch parties—banquet halls, restaurants, cafés—packed late into the night. It genuinely feels like a national day.
If Iraq pulls this off, it could mean even more than 1986, the last time they reached the World Cup—also in Mexico. Most of this generation wasn’t even born back then. For many of us, this would be the first time experiencing it in real time.
There’s also a lot of respect for Iraq’s Australian coach, Graham Arnold. He brings experience, discipline, and a calm mentality to big matches. He’s been in high-pressure situations before, including with Australia on the World Cup stage. If anyone can organize the team, keep them focused, and give them a real shot at pulling this off—it’s him. It’ll be interesting to see how he sets them up tactically and manages the emotions of a game this big.
Needless to say, it’s going to be a busy soccer day and night for me!
During work hours, I’ll be following the European qualifiers closely. I’m hoping to catch the Italy game too—might be on the local Italian channel if I get a chance between things.
Then there’s a short break before Brazil’s game at 8 PM Toronto time.
After that, another quick break—and then it all builds up to Iraq vs. Bolivia at 11 PM Toronto time.
The popcorn is ready… just need to grab some chips and dips
To say the anticipation is high would be an understatement. Iraqis from across the world are making their way to Monterrey, Mexico for this decisive clash. From Toronto alone, multiple flights over the past 24 hours have carried hundreds of fans. Across the U.S., many more are traveling by air and road.
It’s estimated that 15,000 to 20,000 Iraqi supporters will be in the stadium—an incredible presence in a 50,000-seat venue. That kind of turnout, so far from home, speaks volumes.
And for those not attending, the energy here is just as strong. In Toronto, I’ve come across countless watch parties—banquet halls, restaurants, cafés—packed late into the night. It genuinely feels like a national day.
If Iraq pulls this off, it could mean even more than 1986, the last time they reached the World Cup—also in Mexico. Most of this generation wasn’t even born back then. For many of us, this would be the first time experiencing it in real time.
There’s also a lot of respect for Iraq’s Australian coach, Graham Arnold. He brings experience, discipline, and a calm mentality to big matches. He’s been in high-pressure situations before, including with Australia on the World Cup stage. If anyone can organize the team, keep them focused, and give them a real shot at pulling this off—it’s him. It’ll be interesting to see how he sets them up tactically and manages the emotions of a game this big.
Needless to say, it’s going to be a busy soccer day and night for me!
During work hours, I’ll be following the European qualifiers closely. I’m hoping to catch the Italy game too—might be on the local Italian channel if I get a chance between things.
Then there’s a short break before Brazil’s game at 8 PM Toronto time.
After that, another quick break—and then it all builds up to Iraq vs. Bolivia at 11 PM Toronto time.
The popcorn is ready… just need to grab some chips and dips
