As Iraqi fans eagerly await the decisive showdown in the global playoff qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, Iraqi national team player Ahmed Yahya confirmed that the anticipated match represents a pivotal moment in his football career, emphasizing that all players are aware of the responsibility placed upon them before facing the biggest challenge.

The Iraqi team is scheduled to play its crucial match on April 1st in the Mexican city of Monterrey, after entering an extended training camp in preparation for this eagerly awaited encounter by the sports community.

Yahya stated in his remarks: "The global playoff match is of great importance to us, and it carries significant value. We are honored by this responsibility and look forward to being up to the task in the decisive match that everyone is waiting for, and we are well aware of the difficulties and challenges that will face us."

He added: "For some time now, we have been thinking about the global playoff match, and we have a clear plan for what we will present on the field and how we will give everything we have to achieve the desired goal. Reaching the World Cup means a lot to us as players, and it is the first and last dream for the fans and must be achieved."

The defender of the Lions of Mesopotamia explained that the thought of the confrontation does not leave him, clarifying: "The global playoff match is a big concern for me, and I cannot sleep at night without thinking about it and achieving the dream of qualifying for the World Cup. We promise our fans that we will present our best level on the match field."

He continued his talk by saying: "We will fight to achieve victory in a match that will not accept division into two, whether the opponent is Bolivia or Suriname, it is difficult in all cases. The playoff is the last step before the World Cup, and whoever reaches it means that they are a team that deserves it and has achieved good results."

Regarding his level with the Al-Shorta team during the recent period, Yahya pointed to the rising performance, saying: "Thank God, recently the levels of Al-Shorta players have been very distinguished, and against Al-Duhail we presented a good performance and were up to the responsibility, and we benefited a lot from this experience."

Concerning the criticisms he faces, he clarified: "I accept criticism when it is constructive and helps me improve my level with the team, but when it reaches the point of slander, I will not pay attention to it. Unfortunately, some analysts speak on non-technical aspects and delve into personal matters that have nothing to do with football and this is not correct."