The Iraq national football team, nicknamed the Lions of Mesopotamia, is the representative side of Iraq in international football, governed by the Iraq Football Association. Based in Baghdad, the team plays its home matches at various stadiums across the country, including the Basra International Stadium. Founded in 1948, the team's colors of white and green are a national symbol. Iraq's football history is a powerful narrative of triumph amid adversity, with their crowning achievement being the stunning victory at the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, a moment of unity celebrated across the nation. That golden generation, featuring stars like Younis Mahmoud and Nashat Akram, defined an era. The team has also participated in the 1986 FIFA World Cup. In the modern era, Iraq remains a formidable force in Asian football, consistently qualifying for Asian Cups and producing talented players who compete in leagues across the globe. The current squad blends experienced campaigners with a new wave of technically gifted youngsters. The fan base is famously passionate and resilient, supporting the team through thick and thin. The Iraq national team is more than just a football side; it is a profound source of national pride and identity.