The Iraqi national team management officially announced the absence of star Ayman Hussein from the team's anticipated match against the Saudi national team in the final round of the Asian playoff qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Official sources from the team clarified that Hussein will be among those excluded from the match, and he will sit in the stands to watch the game from outside the pitch, after the final lineup of the team was revealed that will participate in the decisive encounter shortly at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, at 9:45 PM Mecca time.

Ayman Hussein's absence comes after it was expected that he would participate in the match, as the player represented a significant offensive addition to the Iraqi national team, given his abilities in scoring from half-chances and precise headers, as well as his role in moving the front line and creating opportunities for his teammates.

Sources from the coaching staff led by coach Graham Arnold indicated that the decision was made based on the final assessment of the player's physical and technical condition, and that the team will rely on alternative offensive options to compensate for his absence, while focusing on the defensive and offensive game plan prepared to face the Saudi national team.

Fans of the Lions of Mesopotamia are eagerly anticipating the decisive match, as the Iraqi national team seeks to achieve victory to secure direct qualification for the World Cup finals after a long absence of nearly 40 years.