The former Iraqi football star Laith Hussein has given two important pieces of advice to the national team players before they embark on the decisive Asian playoff matches qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, which will see the Lions of Mesopotamia face the teams of Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.

The Iraqi national team continues its intensive preparations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in preparation for the first match against the Indonesian team, which will take place at King Abdullah International Stadium at 10:30 PM next Saturday.

Laith Hussein said in statements made to winwin:

"The Iraqi national team, after the experience of the previous Asian qualifiers, has become more mature, aware, and conscious of the great responsibility placed on the players' shoulders, as they now represent more than 45 million Iraqis who are waiting for them to bring joy. Therefore, I believe the team does not need moral boosting, but rather focus and to deliver the best possible performance in both matches to achieve the dream of the Iraqi fans."

Hussein added: "The first task against Indonesia is not easy, as we saw how the Indonesian team narrowly lost to Saudi Arabia, which means they will fight with all their strength to achieve their ambition. Therefore, our players must be cautious of rapid transitions and counterattacks, and work with a collective spirit to achieve the desired goal."

He continued: "We – the former stars – stand behind the team and support it with all we have, because we believe in our players' ability to overcome challenges. We have become accustomed to seeing the true mettle of the Iraqi player in difficult situations, and when the challenge is great, their determination to deliver the best doubles."

Hussein indicated: "I advise the players with two important pieces of advice: high concentration on the field, and complete commitment to applying the technical and tactical duties set by the coaching staff, because discipline is the key to victory."

He concluded by saying: "The Iraqi national team possesses distinguished elements and a coach who has started to get accustomed to the nature of Iraqi players and understands their capabilities. Coach Graham Arnold is capable of utilizing them correctly. Nothing is impossible in football, even though Saudi Arabia has the advantage of home ground and fans; Iraq is capable of snatching the qualification ticket whenever it maintains focus and determination."

It is scheduled that the Iraqi national team will conduct its last two training sessions today and tomorrow before facing Indonesia, as it seeks to win by a two-goal margin to place its first foot in the decisive round before facing the Saudi team in the final of the playoffs.