Iraq’s partnership with Google is being seen as part of a wider plan led by Adnan Dirjal to modernize the image of Iraqi football and reconnect the national team with global audiences ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The tournament will mark Iraq’s first World Cup appearance in 40 years, making it a major moment for the country’s football scene.
The new partnership with Google Gemini is expected to introduce artificial intelligence tools into Iraqi football’s digital and commercial activities. The goal is to give fans more interactive ways to engage with the national team.
Under the project, Iraqi supporters are expected to gain access to AI-powered match analysis, personalized football content, and tools that can generate fan chants, images, and other creative material.
The initiative is also part of broader reforms inside Iraqi football under Dirjal’s leadership. Since Iraq qualified for the World Cup again, the federation has been working to increase its international presence and attract foreign sponsors and global partnerships.
Dirjal said working with a major global technology company like Google could strengthen the marketing and commercial value of the Iraqi national team and help position it as one of the leading football brands in the region.
Google representatives also described the partnership as more than a traditional sponsorship deal, saying the focus is on improving fan engagement through AI-driven experiences and modern digital tools.
The agreement reflects growing international interest in Iraq’s sports sector, especially as global companies increasingly view Middle Eastern football as an important platform for technology, branding, and fan engagement.
