The Iraqi Football Federation has unveiled the final squad for the "Lions of Mesopotamia" as they prepare for the decisive playoff match to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in North America. Coach Graham Arnold announced the list on March 16, highlighting significant omissions including team captain and goalkeeper Jalal Hassan, who is considered unfit, as well as defender Ahmed Yahya due to injury. Other notable exclusions include players Osama Rashid, Bashar Resan, and Amjad Atwan, suggesting a tough roster decision influenced by both form and fitness.

Earlier, Adnan Darjal, President of the Iraqi Football Federation, noted that the national team is set to depart for Monterrey, Mexico at the end of this week. They aim to compete in the playoff matches scheduled for March 26 against Bolivia and Suriname in the semi-finals, followed by a potential final on March 31 against the winner of the semi-final. The Iraqi squad includes 26 players despite these high-profile absences, and the coaching staff is optimistic about their chances of securing a place in the World Cup.

As the Iraqi team prepares for this historical challenge, the selected squad aims to demonstrate resilience and skill on the international stage. The upcoming matches are seen as pivotal for Iraqi football, given the nation's previous efforts in international tournaments. With the backdrop of significant player absences, all eyes will be on how the remaining players perform in these crucial encounters, impacting the future of soccer in Iraq and the support from their passionate fan base.