The former star of the Iraq national team, Haider Mahmoud, has set four essential conditions he sees as the key for the Lions of Mesopotamia to advance in the global playoff qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He called on everyone to seize this historic opportunity to return to the World Cup after an absence of nearly 40 years.

The Iraqi national team conducted its second training session today, Tuesday, in the city of Monterrey, Mexico, as part of the preparation program for the upcoming event. Recently joining the training were Aarhus Danish player Kevin Yakoub, Venezia Italian player Marco Faraj, and Sarpsborg Norwegian player Eimar Sher, which enhances the coaching staff's options before the decisive match.

In exclusive statements to the winwin platform, Mahmoud stated that the Iraq national team needs clear stability at the coaching staff level, in addition to players possessing skill, individual solutions, and football intellect on the field. He explained that some of the controversy surrounding the roster might be related to injuries or technical circumstances, expressing his belief that the final lineup will include the most ready and deserving elements to participate in this crucial match.

He added that the playoff represents a lifetime opportunity for all components of the team, whether on the technical or administrative level or among the players, because victory in it will immortalize their names in the history of Iraqi football, especially since Iraq has been absent from the World Cup for nearly 40 years, which gives the match exceptional importance to the sports public, who well understand what it means to be present in the World Cup.

Mahmoud elaborated on his vision by saying that resolving the playoff will not be through strength and speed alone, but relies on four interconnected conditions: the first is the presence of football intellect on the field, the second is the players' ability to play in more than one position, the third is having a field leader capable of directing his teammates in critical moments, and the fourth is the precise execution of the coaching staff's ideas to complete the mission in the best possible way.

He pointed out the importance of playing a preparatory match before the playoff to give coach Graham Arnold the opportunity to solidify the starting lineup and test the elements most capable of executing the required duties. He noted that the current phase requires selecting the most prepared players, not just relying on names that have previously participated simply because they are familiar with the team's atmosphere.

Mahmoud explained that the administrative and logistical aspects are available with the support of the Iraqi government, and the responsibility today lies on the coaching staff and players to achieve the desired result and bring joy back to the fans, especially given the difficult circumstances the country is going through. He expressed hope that the team will succeed in achieving the dream of qualification and delighting the sports public.

Preparations in Monterrey are intensifying day by day as players adapt to the conditions, while Arnold has set a comprehensive plan to prepare his team in the best possible way before the decisive match, which many see as the most important in the journey of this generation of the Lions of Mesopotamia.