Baghdad - IA
The national team concluded its training in Basra by participating in a training unit on Sunday morning in preparation for facing the Oman national team the day after tomorrow, Tuesday, in the qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup.
A statement by the Football Association, received by the (INA), stated that “the training witnessed the presence of the President of the Iraqi Football Association, Adnan Darjal, and the member of the Iraqi Football Association, Ahmed Al-Moussawi, and all 26 players participated in it, and they are: Jalal Hassan, Fahd Talib, Ahmed Basil, Hussein Hassan, Zaid Tahseen, Mirkhas Doski, Ibrahim Bayesh, Manaf Younis, Youssef Amin, France Zia, Muhammad Al-Taie, Ali Jassim, Muhannad Ali, Ahmed Yassin, Zidane Iqbal, Ayman Hussein, Amjad Atwan, Ali Al Hammadi, Montazer Majid, Rebin Sulaqa, Hussein Ali, Ali Fayez, Saad Abdel Amir, Mustafa Saadoun, Ahmed Yahya, Amir Al Amari.”
He added: “It is hoped that the national team delegation will leave Basra this Sunday evening, heading by air to the Omani capital, Muscat, before it enters an official training unit tomorrow, Monday, at the Sultan Qaboos Complex.”
How does the support of the Football Association impact the morale and performance of the Iraqi national football team?
Interview with a Sports Analyst on Iraq’s National Football Team Preparation for World Cup Qualifiers
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Ali Rahim, a renowned sports analyst and expert in Middle Eastern football. Dr. Rahim, thank you for joining us as the Iraqi national team prepares for their crucial match against Oman in the 2026 World Cup qualifying round.
Dr. Rahim: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for Iraqi football, and I’m eager to discuss the team’s preparations.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The Iraqi national team recently completed a training session in Basra ahead of their matchup against Oman. What do you think the team needs to focus on during this preparation period?
Dr. Rahim: Focus is key in these crucial moments. The players need to concentrate on enhancing their tactical cohesion and communication. With all 26 players, including the likes of Jalal Hassan and Zidane Iqbal, participating in the training session, it’s vital for them to build a strong unit. They need to work on understanding each other’s playing styles and establish clear patterns on the field.
Editor: Absolutely. It was mentioned that the team delegation will be flying to Muscat before holding another training session. How important is this transition from Basra to Oman for the players’ mindset and readiness?
Dr. Rahim: The transition is significant for several reasons. First, changing environments can help the players shift their focus towards the upcoming challenge. Traveling to Muscat also signifies the importance of the match; it motivates the players to perform at their best. Moreover, training at the Sultan Qaboos Complex will allow them to adapt to local conditions, such as the weather and the pitch, which can be crucial for match performance.
Editor: The presence of key officials like Adnan Darjal and Ahmed Al-Moussawi during the training indicates strong support from the Football Association. How does this influence the team’s morale?
Dr. Rahim: Strong institutional support is essential in any sports environment. When players see their leaders actively involved, it boosts their confidence and morale. Knowing that the Football Association is backing them can enhance the players’ sense of responsibility, pushing them to deliver a performance that reflects that support. For the Iraqi team, gaining this morale can be a game-changer in tight matches.
Editor: With a diverse squad featuring talents like Muhannad Ali and Ayman Hussein, how do you see their roles evolving as they face Oman?
Dr. Rahim: Each player brings unique strengths to the table, and I believe the coaching staff will strategize based on individual capabilities. Muhannad Ali’s speed and agility can create significant threats on the flank, while Ayman Hussein’s positioning and finishing skills are critical in front of the goal. Their performances will be pivotal in breaking down Oman’s defenses and capitalizing on any scoring opportunities.
Editor: As a final note, what advice would you give to young Iraqi footballers watching the national team and aspiring to follow in their footsteps?
Dr. Rahim: Young players should remain dedicated to improving their skills and understanding of the game. They should also focus on teamwork and discipline, as those traits are crucial in achieving success. Watching how the national team plays during these qualifiers can inspire them and provide real-life examples of what it takes to reach that level—both technically and mentally. Developing a strong work ethic and pursuing opportunities to play and train is essential for anyone aspiring to become a professional football player.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rahim, for your insights. It’s been a pleasure discussing the future of Iraqi football and the upcoming match against Oman. We wish the national team the best of luck!
Dr. Rahim: Thank you! I’m excited to see how they perform and will be cheering them on during the qualifiers.