The Iraqi national team received important advice from its former player Jabbar Hashim before playing the intercontinental playoff match qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, where they will face the winner of the Bolivia vs. Suriname match on April 1st.

The Lions of Mesopotamia continue their training in the Mexican city of Monterrey in preparation for the upcoming event, with recent additions to the camp including Kevin Yakoub from Danish club Aarhus, Marco Faraj from Italian club Venezia, and Eimar Sher from Norwegian club Sarpsborg, providing the coaching staff with additional options before the decisive encounter.

Hashim stated in exclusive comments to the winwin platform that the coach and fans in Iraq must trust the team's preparations for the playoff, despite the time difference and the long journey the team underwent to reach Monterrey under the region's unusual circumstances. He explained that the coaching staff is capable of positively handling the current preparation reality, as modern training and recovery methods offer players a better chance for quick recovery and raising readiness levels before the crucial date, predicting that the training pace will escalate starting tomorrow after the recovery phase ends.

He added that the weather conditions in Mexico are not as bad as rumored, but relatively moderate, with temperatures reaching about 30 degrees Celsius, making it possible for Iraqi players to acclimate in a short period before the anticipated match. He noted that the oxygen levels and other climatic factors have become familiar to the team members as the camp days progress.

Hashim explained that the Iraqi team has the ability to narrow the technical gaps against Bolivia and Suriname, affirming that the high enthusiasm among the players is an important factor in achieving the goal and snatching the World Cup ticket, a dream that has been lingering with the players for quite some time, as well as a dream for the fans for 40 years.

He pointed out that coach Graham Arnold has closely followed the opponents in their previous matches, considering that the final technical reading of the opponent, whether Bolivia or Suriname, will be decisive in shaping the tactical plan for the confrontation, expecting to document all details while watching the potential opponent's match from the stands.

Hashim emphasized the need for the coaching staff to consider all details before the anticipated match, explaining that the team is just one match away from achieving the dream of qualification, which requires the highest levels of focus and preparation for every aspect, even if it seems small, as it could be pivotal on the path to the World Cup.