Just one step away from a long-awaited dream, Iraq face a decisive showdown in the final of the FIFA Play-Off Tournament to reach FIFA World Cup 2026™. Victory over Bolivia in Monterrey on 31 March would secure their ticket to the global showpiece.
Iraqi supporters are hoping to see their national side at the World Cup for the first time since 1986, when the Lions of Mesopotamia made their only appearance on the global stage. Coincidentally, that edition was hosted by Mexico, the very country staging the Play-Off Tournament.
Ahead of the Bolivia showdown, FIFA shines the spotlight on the standout players who Iraq coach Graham Arnold. will be hoping can make the difference.
Aymen Hussein
Iraq’s record goalscorer, Hussein has 32 international goals to his name, including eight in Asian qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Hussein has suffered injuries recently and missed the fourth round of Asian qualifying, but Iraq fans are hopeful that the striker will be back at his best against Bolivia to lead them to victory once more. There are encouraging signs he is approaching top form for the decisive clash. He has made a strong return in the Iraqi top-flight with three goals and an assist over his past three matches for Al-Karma.
Mohanad Ali
Iraq’s second-highest scorer behind Aymen Hussein, with 27 international goals, Ali has seen his stock rise of late after a strong end to 2025, scoring six goals for Iraq across the FIFA Arab Cup, friendlies and World Cup qualifiers.
When Ali came on as a substitute against the UAE in the second leg of the fifth round of qualifying, the Lions of Mesopotamia were trailing 1-0. It took him just 10 minutes to leave his mark by equalising, transforming the trajectory of the match and offering the masses packed into Basra Stadium a glimmer of hope. Later, he helped win a penalty after the ball struck Yaha Nader’s hand inside the box in stoppage time. Amir Al-Ammari converted to secure victory and progress to the Play-off Tournament.
Such performances show that ‘Mimi’ is a player capable of delivering in decisive moments should Arnold choose to call on him once again.
Amir Al-Ammari
One of Iraq’s finest midfielders, Al-Ammari boasts solid experience in the Swedish league and currently plays in Poland, where he has featured in every match this season for Cracovia.
Al-Ammari is the kind of player who brings reassurance to Iraqi fans thanks to his ability to remain composed in high-pressure moments. This was clearly evident in the return leg against the UAE, where he delivered the a fine set-piece cross that Ali converted for the equaliser. Not content with creating that goal, he later stepped up slot the match-winning penalty. If the Lions of Mesopotamia succeed in qualifying for the World Cup for only the second time, Al-Ammari’s role cannot be underestimated.
