The Iraqi national football team continues its intensive preparations in Monterrey, Mexico, as part of its crucial preparations to face the winner of the Bolivia-Suriname match in the intercontinental play-off for the 2026 World Cup. In this context, the coaching staff delivered a strong motivational message to the players, urging them to give their utmost effort to bring joy to the 46 million Iraqis who eagerly await the return of the "Lions of Mesopotamia" to the world stage, according to the official website of the Iraqi Football Association.
The Iraqi national team is now complete and has overcome travel challenges
The coaching staff intensified preparations with the third training session, which saw the arrival of several professional players from European clubs: Kevin Yacob, Aimar Scher, and Marco Faraj. They joined their teammates Amir Al-Ammari, Mirjas Duski, and Hussein Ali. The team's arrival in Monterrey followed a grueling three-day journey from Amman, Jordan. To ensure the team's safety and comfort, FIFA intervened to provide a private plane for their transport, following geopolitical tensions and the closure of airspace in large parts of the Middle East since late February.
Historical context: Mexico and memories of World Cup achievement
Mexican soil holds a special historical and emotional significance for both Iraqi fans and the Iraqi national team . History seems to be repeating itself dramatically, as Iraq's sole and only appearance in the World Cup finals was in 1986, also held in Mexico. That tournament is etched in the memory of Iraqis and witnessed the legendary Ahmed Radhi scoring Iraq's only World Cup goal. This historical connection provides the current generation with tremendous motivation to replicate the achievements of the golden generation of the 1980s and once again make Mexico a springboard to global glory, making these qualifiers a pivotal moment in the history of modern Iraqi football.
The importance of the event and its expected impact locally and regionally
the Iraqi national team's qualification for the 2026 World Cup extends far beyond the purely sporting realm, encompassing broad national and economic dimensions. Domestically, the team's success presents a rare opportunity to unite Iraq's 46 million people behind a single flag, instilling hope and joy in a society deeply passionate about football. Regionally and internationally, Iraq's return to the World Cup will solidify its position as a rising football power in Asia and the Arab world, opening new horizons for Iraqi players to pursue professional careers in major European leagues, and attracting investment to develop the country's sports infrastructure.
Technical readiness and high focus to secure qualification
In the context of technical preparations, the coach emphasized to the media the importance of focusing on the positives, expressing his pride in the players' tremendous energy. He explained that the focus is solely on achieving victory. Despite the fatigue of travel, he noted that the team had two days of recovery and rest, and that the seven days remaining before the match are sufficient to ensure everything goes smoothly. Twenty-eight players have been called up for this crucial task, all vying to prove their worth, benefiting from their physical fitness due to their consistent participation in their respective leagues. The coach concluded his remarks by affirming his strong confidence in the team's abilities, reminding everyone that Iraq's FIFA ranking is higher than that of Bolivia and Suriname, thus enhancing the Lions of Mesopotamia's chances of securing qualification and making history.
