The coach of the Iraqi national team, Australian Graham Arnold, continues to closely monitor the players of the 'Lions of Mesopotamia' with their clubs, in preparation for announcing the final list that will compete in the global playoff qualifying for the 2026 World Cup finals, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The Iraqi team will face its decisive match on the first of April next on Mexican soil, where Arnold looks forward to achieving a historic achievement and leading Iraq to the World Cup, aiming to be the second coach to succeed in reaching this global event with Iraqi football.

Despite the pressure of matches and the abundance of names available to the technical staff, a number of players have emerged who have succeeded in raising their stocks with the Australian coach, thanks to their outstanding levels and high readiness before the anticipated confrontation.

Jalal Hassan.. The First Trustworthy Goalkeeper

Al-Zawraa goalkeeper Jalal Hassan is Arnold's prominent choice in the goalkeeper position, as the coach gives him great confidence and relies on him continuously whenever he is ready, with Ahmed Basal as a trusted alternative.

Jalal Hassan (34 years old) offers consistent levels based on his long experience in local and international fields, which has strengthened the technical staff's conviction in his ability to protect the team's goal in crucial matches, especially with his distinction in saving penalty kicks, which may decide the qualification ticket if the playoff match extends to extra time.

Akam Hashim.. The Solid Wall of Al-Nawras

Akam Hashim, Al-Zawraa defender, stands out as one of the best defenders in Iraq currently, after continuing to deliver strong performances that have caught the attention of several Arab clubs interested in acquiring his services.

Hashim (27 years old) is distinguished by his ability to build attacks from the back and smoothly bring the ball out, in addition to the accuracy of his passes, which gives him an important role in the team's style of play, especially since he previously occupied the midfield position before being converted to central defense, which increased his tactical flexibility on the field.

Mohannad Ali.. The Most Ready Striker

In the attack line, Mohannad Ali 'Mimi' seems to be in his best technical and physical condition before playing the playoff match, benefiting from the remarkable levels he is presenting with his team, Dibba Al-Fujairah.

Mimi (25 years old) is at a higher readiness level compared to his teammates Ayman Hussein and Ali Al-Hamadi, after successfully scoring six goals in the UAE Professional League, the highest number among them, which enhances his chances of gaining the coach's trust and leading the team's front line.

As the awaited date approaches, the technical staff's focus on selecting the most prepared elements for this great challenge increases, as the Iraqi team is only one match away from the dream of qualifying for the World Cup against the winner of the Bolivia and Suriname match, in an encounter that fans eagerly await, hoping for the return of the 'Lions of Mesopotamia' to the biggest football stage in the world.