Return of the Lions: Iraq’s World Cup dream hinges on Hussein’s comeback against Indonesia and Saudi Arabia
Iraq heads into the Asia World Cup playoff with star striker Ayman Hussein potentially back from injury. They face Indonesia first, then Saudi Arabia, in a six-team format split into two groups. Hussein’s fitness could be the tipping point as fans rally behind the Lions of Mesopotamia in their bid for a spot in 2026. The campaign tests not only skill but the psychology of a nation hungry for a first World Cup berth in years.