BASRA: Iraq head coach Graham Arnold named his final 26-man squad for the World Cup, placing strong emphasis on the core group of players who secured qualification through the intercontinental playoffs.
Veteran striker Aymen Hussein will lead Iraq’s attack in North America, with the experienced forward expected to play a key role for the national side.
The squad also includes Ipswich Town forward Ali Al-Hamadi, along with promising young attackers Ali Jassim and Youssef Amyn, forming a dynamic frontline for the tournament.
However, Dundee defender Dario Naamo was left out of the final selection after a recent change in sporting nationality, having previously represented Finland at youth level.
In midfield, Iraq will rely on European-based talent, including Utrecht midfielder Zidane Iqbal and Heerenveen’s Aimar Sher, who bring international experience to the squad.
Coach Arnold has also opted to retain goalkeeper Kamil Saadi in the training camp as a precautionary measure against potential injuries.
Iraq return to the World Cup for the first time in 40 years after a 2-1 playoff victory over Bolivia in April secured their place in the tournament.
They have been drawn in Group I alongside France, Senegal and Norway.
Goalkeepers: Fahad Talib, Jalal Hassan, Ahmed Basil
Defenders: Hussein Ali, Manaf Younis, Zaid Tahseen, Rebin Sulaka, Akam Hashem, Merchas Doski, Ahmed Yahya, Zaid Ismail, Frans Putros, Mustafa Saadoon
Midfielders: Amir Al Ammari, Kevin Yakob, Zidane Iqbal, Aimar Sher, Ibrahim Bayesh, Ahmed Qasim, Youssef Amyn, Marko Farji
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Forwards: Ali Jassim, Ali Al-Hamadi, Ali Yousef, Aymen Hussein, Mohanad Ali
