Deadly stampede could affect Iraq’s World Cup hopes
By JOHN DUERDEN
Associated Press
Iraq has won the Gulf Cup for the first time since 1988 with a 3-2 victory over Oman but the triumph was marred by a deadly stampede outside the Basra International Stadium. The disaster could have repercussions for the country’s 2026 World Cup hopes. It was a blow for organizers of the first international soccer tournament hosted in Iraq since 1979 as the bigger prize of hosting 2026 World Cup qualifiers seemed to be within reach.