Ali Al-Habsi, the Omani goalkeeping legend, warned the Iraqi national team of the danger of losing the dream of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, just days before playing the global playoff match qualifying for the World Cup, scheduled for April 1st.

The Iraqi team will begin its preparations for the playoff on March 15th, as they will enter a training camp in Houston, USA, before heading to Monterrey, Mexico, for the crucial match. In media statements, Al-Habsi emphasized the importance of technical stability for the team, pointing out that Iraq was capable of securing the qualification ticket before reaching the playoff stage.

Al-Habsi said, "Football goes through circumstances and changes, but the capabilities available to the Lions of Mesopotamia give them a real chance to achieve the awaited dream. When we talk about the Iraqi national team, we are not just talking about a team, but about an entire country and a significant national value, so the work must be directed to serve the country away from any personal interests."

Al-Habsi added that the repeated technical changes reflect a lack of stability, which is influential in the journey of any team, pointing out the necessity of unity and standing behind the team in this critical phase. He confirmed that the Iraqi team possesses all the elements to qualify for the World Cup, but warned of the lack of stability that could threaten this dream.

Meanwhile, Graham Arnold, the current coach of Iraq, is conducting a Gulf tour in the UAE to monitor player performances, and is expected to announce soon the list of the Lions of Mesopotamia for the global playoff match, at the beginning of March, in preparation for traveling to the United States and then Mexico.