Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) — The national football team of Iraq has left Chicago for White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, where it will conduct its last training camp before its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.

The group touched down in the country on a private plane and set up their tournament base at The Greenbrier Resort, the famous sports and training facility that will serve as their headquarters in the final phases of preparation.

The decision comes after Iraq concluded their pre-World Cup friendlies with matches against Venezuela, Spain and Andorra as coach Graham Arnold conducts last preparations for the tournament opener.

Iraq chose the Greenbrier for its high-performance training facilities, professional-level fields, and closeness to numerous World Cup host cities in the United States.

The Lions of Mesopotamia will stay at the training before heading to Boston, where they will play Norway in their debut World Cup encounter on June 16.

This is Iraq’s first World Cup since 1986 and ends a 40-year quest to return to football’s grandest stage.

Iraq, who qualified following a successful campaign and recent results such as a draw against European champions Spain, which sparked excitement among fans ahead of the event, goes into the competition.

After Norway, Iraq will play France and Senegal in Group I as the squad aims to make a mark on its long-awaited return to the World Cup.