Defender of the Iraqi national team and Al-Zawraa Club, Akam Hashim, sent a message full of confidence and optimism to the fans of the Lions of Mesopotamia, ahead of the anticipated confrontation in the global play-off qualifying for the 2026 World Cup finals, which represents a pivotal stage in the journey of Iraqi football.

The Iraqi team is expected to face the winner of the Bolivia and Suriname match, scheduled for March 27, with the decisive match to be held in Monterrey, Mexico, at the beginning of April.

Hashim confirmed in statements published by the Iraqi Football Association that the national team players are fully prepared to take on this great challenge, noting that the atmosphere in the camp is very positive and that preparations have reached their final stages before the awaited match.

He explained that enthusiasm is prevailing among all players, especially with the approaching date of the match, which represents a golden opportunity to achieve the dream of qualifying for the World Cup, a goal everyone has been striving for over many years.

He added that the technical staff has worked intensively in the past period to prepare the team in the best possible way, despite some challenges, stressing the importance of the professional players abroad joining, as it plays a significant role in enhancing the team's technical and physical readiness.

Hashim pointed out that the Iraqi team has seen clear development in its level recently, affirming the players' confidence in their ability to deliver a great performance in the match, regardless of the competitor's identity, whether it is Bolivia or Suriname.

The Al-Zawraa defender also made a clear call to the Iraqi fans to support the team at this important stage, confirming that the players are looking forward to making the fans happy and delivering a match worthy of Iraq's name and football history.

Akam Hashim is considered one of the prominent names in the ranks of the Iraqi national team recently, having stood out notably in the 2025 Arab Cup, providing impressive performances that made him one of the key pillars in the defensive line.

Regarding his participation this season, the player has played several matches with Al-Zawraa Club in the Iraqi Stars League, alongside his continental participations, and has also made his presence felt with the national team in several matches, confirming his status as one of the important elements in the Lions of Mesopotamia's lineup.

All eyes are now on the anticipated confrontation, through which the Iraqi national team hopes to write a new chapter in its football history and achieve the long-awaited dream of returning to the World Cup finals.