Iraq's Bold Return: Hamadi Leads the Charge Against UAE in a World Cup Playoff Showdown

Squad Selection and World Cup Quest

The Australian coach Graham Arnold announced Iraq's final 25-man squad for the two-legged Asia play-off against the United Arab Emirates, a crucial step toward reaching the intercontinental playoff for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The World Cup hosts for 2026 will be the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with 48 teams taking part for the first time. Iraq's hopes come after finishing third in their group behind South Korea and Jordan, earning a place in the Asia play-off but finishing second in their group on goal difference behind Saudi Arabia in October. Iraq plans a return to the World Cup stage after a 40-year absence since the lone appearance in 1986 in Mexico.

The Iraq Squad for the UAE Playoff

Arnold revealed the squad on Thursday for the two matches, with Iraq visiting the UAE in Abu Dhabi before the second leg. The return leg is scheduled for November 18 in Basra, as Iraq battles to secure a place in the global playoff along with five other nations from Africa, South America, North America, and Oceania.

The squad, as announced:

Goalkeepers: Jalal Hassan, Fahd Talib, Ahmed Basil.

Defenders: Rebin Sulaka, Manaf Younes, Akam Hisham, Zaid Hashem, Ahmed Yahya, Merhkas Duski, Mustafa Saadoun, Hussein Ali.

Midfielders: Imar Shire, Zidan Iqbal, Kevin Yaqub, Osama Rashid, Amir Al-Amari, Shireko Karim, Marco Faraj, Montazir Majed, Ali Jassim, Youssef Amin, Hassan Abdul Karim.

Forwards: Ali Hamadi, Mohannad Ali, Ayman Hussein.

Notes: Hamadi returns from injury to lead the attack; Baish was left out due to injury, and Ali Hussein and Ali Hamadi’s return from injury is encouraging for the squad ahead of the key ties.

Arnold explained that the players were selected to be at peak readiness for both legs, aiming to balance defensive solidity with attacking threat. Missing names such as Baish reflect the careful selection process to ensure players are fit enough for the pressure of the playoff ties.

Arnold's Message

Arnold shared via a video posted by the Iraqi national team that he is happy to return to Iraq and prepare for two decisive matches against UAE. He stressed the team’s commitment to qualification for the World Cup, a prize not achieved since 1986. He added that the defense has been solid in recent playoff legs, but emphasized the need to improve ball possession and control to maximize chances of advancing.

He also highlighted the tough path ahead, noting that the team will fight with full readiness and technical and physical conditioning. Arnold confirmed Baish’s exclusion due to injury and welcomed the return of key forwards Ali Hamadi and Ayman Hussein after their recoveries. He urged fans to provide support at Basra’s stadium and promised to pursue every possible avenue toward World Cup qualification. Iraq is also chasing a second Asian place in the World Cup playoff, with three Arab nations already securing spots in 2026 — Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan.

Arnold’s tenure has seen him take the reins from the Spaniard Jesfas Casás, who left amid disappointing results. With the team’s qualification hopes alive, Arnold underscored the importance of unity and meticulous preparation as Iraq eyes a long-awaited return to the World Cup stage.

And for those who believe it’s just another match: remember, in football as in life, a good plan is just a plan until you kick the ball and hope gravity does its job. Punchlines: 1) If this squad were a sniper, their aim is World Cup glory—just be prepared for a few ricochets along the way. 2) The only thing sharper than their tactics might be the Basra coffee fueling the players in the dressing room.