WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. – U.S. Senator Jim Justice today welcomed Iraq’s men’s national soccer team to West Virginia as the team prepares for its FIFA World Cup group stage matches this month.
During its stay, the Iraqi national team will train at The Greenbrier Sports Performance Center and use the resort’s athletic facilities, accommodations and amenities as part of its World Cup preparations.
“This is just a really special day for West Virginia,” said Senator Justice. “Think about it — a team getting ready to play on the biggest stage in the world chose to come right here to our state to train and get ready. That says a whole lot about West Virginia, our people and the quality of The Greenbrier. Nobody welcomes folks better than we do, and I know the team from Iraq is going to see the very best of our state while they are here. I could not be more proud of the folks at The Greenbrier and everyone helping make this visit such a success.”
Iraq will compete in Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with group stage matches scheduled in Foxborough, Massachusetts; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Toronto, Ontario.
The Greenbrier has a long history of welcoming athletes, major sporting events and visitors from around the world. Over the years, the resort has hosted the Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup, PGA TOUR and LIV Golf events, as well as training camps for NFL teams. The Iraqi team’s stay adds to that legacy while offering another opportunity to showcase West Virginia hospitality on a global stage.
“When people come to West Virginia, they find out pretty quickly that we are a hidden gem,” Senator Justice added. “We have the mountains, we have the beauty, and most of all, we have good people who treat visitors like family. That is exactly what this team is going to experience here.”
Iraq’s men’s national team will travel from West Virginia to its FIFA World Cup group stage matches in Foxborough, Philadelphia and Toronto later this month.
