Iraqi Players Seek to Wear Black Kit in Match against Senegal on Eve of Ashura

IQNA – Iraq’s national football team will face Senegal in their 2026 World Cup match on the eve of Ashura later this month.

That is why the Iraqi Football Association has requested FIFA's approval for the national team to wear black jerseys in that match.

The request comes out of reverence for Imam Hussein (AS), al-Thazad reported.

The Iraqi Football Federation has begun its official consultations with FIFA in a symbolic and meaningful move to convey the cultural and religious message of its nation to the world on the sidelines of the World Cup.

This decision by the Iraqis, which was taken with the aim of preserving the rituals of Muharram and paying respect to the days of mourning, has been widely reflected in the regional media.

Now it remains to be seen how FIFA, given its strict rules regarding team equipment and uniforms, will react to this cultural and emotional request that is a symbol of the national-religious identity and devotion of the Iraqi people.

The day of Ashura is the 10th day of the Islamic lunar month of Muharram, and it is a day of mourning for the martyrdom of Imam Hussein and his companions in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.

This year, Ashura falls on Thursday, June 15.

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