Jalal Hassan, the goalkeeper of the Iraqi national team and Al-Zawraa Club, has received important guidance from former international goalkeeper Ahmed Jassim, ahead of the decisive global playoff match qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Hassan (34 years old) is considered one of the most prominent elements of the Iraqi national team in recent years, representing the 'Lions of Mesopotamia' since 2011, having played 100 international matches, and enjoys the trust of Australian coach Graham Arnold, who relies on him primarily in official competitions.

Ahmed Jassim confirmed in media statements that the current phase the team is going through requires comprehensive work on all levels, not just technically, emphasizing the importance of psychological, administrative, and media aspects alongside performance on the field. Jassim called on everyone to support the team from their respective positions to appear in the best possible image and achieve the aspirations of the Iraqi fans.

He pointed out that the value and experience of Jalal Hassan are undisputed, but the current phase requires special mental preparation, indicating that the goalkeeper needs specialized psychological support to correct some concepts and enhance mental readiness, especially given the sensitivity of the upcoming matches.

Jassim also stressed that the members of the technical staff have clear responsibilities that go beyond mere presence to actual work in technically and psychologically preparing the players, noting the necessity of sparing the goalkeepers additional pressures in matches that require high concentration and professional handling.

The former goalkeeper touched on the future of Jalal Hassan, explaining that if there is a direction to grant him a coaching or administrative role in the future, this requires obtaining official qualifications and certifications, as technical work does not rely solely on history or name, but on competence and practical experience. He considered that Hassan possesses the components of success in the field of coaching if he meets its requirements.

Jassim explained that some opinions might be understood as a call to separate the current player's role from his future ambitions, but the priority now should be full concentration on the decisive match, affirming that the ultimate goal is to serve the team and achieve the dream of qualifying for the World Cup, a dream that has been haunting Iraqis for nearly four decades.

He concluded his talk by emphasizing that qualifying will form a historic milestone that immortalizes the names of this generation. However, if the goal is not achieved, a comprehensive review of the phase and a frank evaluation to correct the course is necessary, stressing that the public interest should take precedence over any personal considerations.

In terms of his participation with Al-Zawraa in the current 2025-2026 season, Jalal Hassan played 13 out of 17 matches in the Iraqi Stars League, managing to keep a clean sheet in 8 encounters while conceding 9 goals.