The Iraqi national football team held its first training session in Monterrey, Mexico, on Monday, as part of its intensive preparations for the 2026 World Cup playoff . These preparations are in anticipation of the crucial match that will pit the "Lions of Mesopotamia" against the winner of the upcoming game between Bolivia and Suriname, in the intercontinental playoff for a place in the world's biggest football tournament, according to the official website of the Iraqi Football Association.
The Iraqi national team's squad is complete ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers
The Iraqi national team's ranks are gradually being completed at their training camp in Mexico, with three of the 15 professional players called up to represent the team during this crucial stage joining the training sessions. Amir Al-Ammari, Mirkhas Doski, and Hussein Ali have all joined the squad after fulfilling their commitments with their respective clubs, and they are now awaiting the arrival of their fellow professionals to complete the team's attacking force.
The Iraqi national team roster includes a selection of top players based abroad, most notably: Zaid Tahseen, Rebin Sulaka, Ibrahim Bayesh, Ali Al-Hammadi, Marco Faraj, Zaidan Iqbal, Aymar Sher, Mohanad Ali, Youssef Al-Amin, Ali Jassim, Kevin Yaqoub, and Frans Putros. A total of 28 players have been called up to prepare for this crucial match scheduled for the 31st of this month, which represents the gateway to realizing their World Cup dream.
Memories of Mexico 1986: A history Iraqis aspire to repeat
Playing in Mexico holds a special emotional and historical significance for Iraqi football. In 1986, the Iraqi national team made its first and only appearance to date in the World Cup finals, also held in Mexico. The Iraqi sporting community still fondly remembers that historic participation and the iconic goal scored by the late legend Ahmed Radhi against Belgium. Today, the "Lions of Mesopotamia" return to that same land, carrying the hopes of millions of Iraqis who yearn to see their country's flag flying once again at the world's biggest sporting event, adding immense motivation for the players to give their all.
The importance of qualification and its impact on the sports scene
The ambition to qualify for the World Cup extends far beyond mere participation; it carries much deeper implications. Domestically, the Iraqi national team's success in reaching the tournament is a message of hope and joy, uniting fans from the north to the south of the country and contributing to the revitalization of local sports, attracting investment, and developing football infrastructure. Regionally and internationally, this achievement enhances the standing of Iraqi and Asian football, demonstrating the ability of Iraqi talent to compete with the best on the global stage, especially given the increasing number of Iraqi players playing professionally in European leagues, reflecting a remarkable development in the mentality and professionalism of Iraqi players.
An exceptional journey amidst regional challenges
The Iraqi national team's journey to Mexico was fraught with logistical challenges. The delegation arrived in Monterrey on Sunday from Amman, Jordan, on a private plane provided by FIFA. This exceptional measure was taken to facilitate the team's safe passage, given the complex geopolitical situation and security tensions in the Middle East, which had led to the closure of airspace in several countries in the region. Despite these difficulties, the Iraqi delegation demonstrated remarkable focus and determination to overcome all administrative and logistical obstacles in order to prepare optimally for the decisive match.
