🇮🇶🏆 Thoughts on Iraq at the World Cup thus far

"Despite what happens on the pitch, this World Cup has shown me the best version of the United States of America, the promise of what this country could be." @valair.bsky.social reflects on the World Cup so far.

I am still angry about a lot of things from the game last night, but mostly how the hell did France not get a single yellow card? Their players were literally allowed to do whatever, especially in the first half. The result wouldn’t have changed, but it’s frustrating nonetheless

Btw follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more video content. Just type my name and look for the bald guy!

Found the Nashville fans with Qasem jerseys here in Philly!

Going live soon with the @firsttouch.bsky.social crew to talk Iraq and World Cup. It'll also be available as a podcast later. Tune in! www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaIB...

Countries with pyramids are currently undefeated in the World Cup

🇨🇻🇨🇻🇨🇻 Cabo Verde!!! The darlings of the tournament so far. They were close to a win too. This team and fans are incredible.

If you hear random boos from the crowd, it has nothing to do with the play. The Saudi fans are refusing to do the wave in their section. Every time it gets to them, and they don't do it, the rest of the stadium boos 😂 Tbf they have been chanting all game regardless of result.

Lamine Yamal scores Spain's first 2026 World Cup goal, and the crowd goes wild! Great work from Mikel Oyarzabal as well. Spain is so much better with Yamal on.

The Spanish fans are already louder than they ever were against Cabo Verde. The biggest difference is Lamine Yamal; people are really excited whenever he touches the ball. Saudi fans a small percentage of the stadium, but they are very vocal and can be heard.

You wouldn't last a day in the asylum (CONCACAF) I was raised in. Shoutout Curacao!

I have another week left in my World Cup trip but I am already dreading going back. I’ve been watching games at airports, planes and bars. Met up with friends and made new ones. Discovered that I love Atlanta. One of the best weeks of my life, all because of this stupid game.

Some thoughts on the US hosting the World Cup and what it means for the sport. #WorldCup

FIFA Fan Festivals reach two million visitors across the 13 cities. Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara had the most visitors, almost totaling in one million alone. Other cities had capacity crowds as well. #WorldCup

Posting videos on this app is so hard I usually just give up.

FT: CZE 1-1 RSA RSA grew into the game but didn't have enough quality in the final third to create many opportunities. Disappointing from Czechia, who, aside from the first five minutes, didn't do much with the ball. Depending on results, this could be a huge point for RSA.

GOAL SOUTH AFRICA, TEBOHO MOKOENA!!! The loudest this stadium has been all day. Mokoena converts the penalty, we are level. Once again, Czechia was punished for being too conservative after scoring.

Some signs of life from South Africa! The crowd is getting behind them as well. Czechia is looking to capitalize on mistakes or counter; they don't seem interested in keeping the ball much.

A very loud boo from the Atlanta crowd for the hydration break. I enjoyed that.

Czechia gets one five minutes in! It's more of the same from South Africa, just not good enough, and this was coming. Great assist from Alexandr Sojka and a good finish by Michal Sadílek.

Vibes here are not as hype as Cabo Verde, but this is still an insane building and occasion.

Atlanta, Philly, and Toronto friends, what is the one food/restaurant I have to try in your city? I have practically no time in Philly and Toronto, but I want to at least eat one proper meal.

That goal doesn’t happen if Jeison Palacios was there 🤷‍♂️

I am still upset, but this moment will live with me forever. First World Cup goal in 40 years and I was there for it.

I feel ill. We deserve better than 4-1.

NEEDLESS to say I will be putting my whole heart behind Iraq here because I love @valair.bsky.social and I don’t want to let him down #IRQvNOR

let’s gooooo!!!!! @valair.bsky.social 🇮🇶

Guys I am not going to make it through the second half

Pregame vibes with the Iraqi fans 🇮🇶🔥

We had to teach bro an Iraqi chant 😂

Our @valair.bsky.social breaks down Cabo Verde’s historic result against Spain from Atlanta.

Cape Verde fans are singing Vozinha's praises after the 40-year-old goalkeeper produced a sensational performance to secure a historic result against Spain! 🔥🙌🇨🇻 🎙️ @valair.bsky.social

“I didn’t have the chance to go to the locker room because of you guys.” 😂 🇨🇻 Steven Moreira says he loves Atlanta and knows the stadium well because he plays for the Columbus Crew.

I cannot describe how loud it was after the final whistle. The Cabo Verde fans were amazing all match long despite being heavily outnumbered. Most of the locals here seem to have adopted them as their team as well. Amazing atmosphere despite it ending nil-nil

CABO VERDE!!! 🇨🇻🇨🇻🇨🇻 The Blue Sharks earn their first World Cup point against tournament favorite Spain. An incredible defensive performance, and they were close to stealing all three points late. Historic.

Lamine Yamal's substitution earns the loudest cheer of the day so far. The Spanish fans have woken up; it is much louder now.

What a half by Cabo Verde, especially goalkeeper Vozinha! Btw, he's 40 years old. Spain became more dangerous as the game went on. It's going to be a difficult second half for Cabo Verde, but fans and players seem to have a lot of belief.

A few spots of Cabo Verde fans in a sea of red, but they are making sure everyone hears them. Incredible support for the Blue Sharks, who have kept Spain at bay for the opening period. #WorldCup

Atlanta vibin prematch 🇨🇻🇪🇸

Back in my favorite press box. Not just because of the food, but that helps as well 😂

Got into Atlanta yesterday and the World Cup vibes are fully on. Jerseys & flags everywhere last night. The Fan Fest was PACKED. Taking the Marta to the stadium now and there’s a clear contrast between the Monday commuters and Spanish/Cabo Verde fans haha

✅ Pick up credentials ⏳ Cover first World Cup game (tomorrow) Had to repost, don’t worry about it 😅 #WorldCup

I love the World Cup because I feel like it’s my personal responsibility to convince my family to care about Haiti vs. Scotland as much as they care about Brazil vs. Morocco.

Yeah Paraguay lost the game, but the fireworks in their sent off game implied that they are a proper football nation. Thus the three points should be awarded to them. The United States is NOT a proper football nation and don’t deserve to the points based on their performance.

🇩🇿🇺🇸 The Algeria national team in Kansas is my favorite story this World Cup #Algeria #WorldCup

Day 1 of the World Cup Pros: Korea v Czechia was proper WC vibes Mexico is a great host Got to see Iraq’s flag amongst the other ones Cons: Commercials during hydration breaks is an abomination Should’ve scheduled a third match Hydration breaks when it’s perfect weather

I am higher on this World Cup than most, but commercials during the hydration break is honestly ruining the vibe. Also, not a fan of music after goals. Idk could be just old man yelling, but the commercials break mid game was miserable. #WorldCup

My plans for the World Cup! Make sure to follow along with me, @kickbacksoccer.bsky.social and @sixonefivesoccer.com. #WorldCup

The World Cup kicks off tomorrow, and now's a great time to follow my World Cup scorigami bot! The bot will go live at every final whistle, giving historical context for each result as well as probabilities of advancing from the group and winning the tournament. @worldcupscorigami.bsky.social