The Beautiful Game in Troubled Times: Iraq’s Football Saga ft. Hassanane Balal

THE FOOTPOL PODCAST

This week co-hosts Francesco and Guy talk to Hassanane Balal, host and founder of the Iraqi Football Podcast. Hassanane explains how sport and politics are closely connected in the football-mad country, and in particular how football provided unity and hope during Iraq's darker days. Hassanane points to Iraq winning the Asian championship in 2007 as a key moment and discusses the role and impact of foreign-born Iraqi players alongside Iraq's chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. One not to miss!

Once you've listened to this episode, check out the Iraq Football Podcast as well.

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