Amid great public anticipation, all eyes continue to turn towards the anticipated match of the Iraqi national team in the global playoff qualifying for the 2026 World Cup finals, where fans await a decisive confrontation against the winner of the Bolivia and Suriname match, in a crucial test that will determine the future path for the Lions of Mesopotamia.

The Iraqi national team is conducting its preparations in the city of Monterrey, Mexico, in readiness for this important match that will take place at the beginning of April, with great hopes that the team can achieve the dream of qualification and bring Iraqi football back to the global forefront.

The coach of the Al-Talaba team, Iranian Ali Reza Mansourian, said in media statements, "My full support goes to the Iraqi national team at this important stage, and I hope the team succeeds in achieving the dream of qualifying for the World Cup and repeating the achievement of 1986."

He added: "Since arriving in Iraq several months ago, I have not felt alienated at all, as the atmosphere here is very comfortable, and there is a great closeness between the Iraqi and Iranian peoples, which makes me stand strongly behind the Iraqi national team in this mission."

He pointed out: "Everyone is anticipating this decisive match against the winner of Bolivia and Suriname, due to its great importance for Iraqi football, as qualifying for the World Cup will give a significant morale boost to sports in the country."

He continued: "The responsibility for qualification lies with the technical staff led by coach Graham Arnold, along with the players who have the necessary capabilities to achieve this accomplishment despite the difficulty of the confrontation."

He explained: "The match will not be easy, especially in its first half, as it is expected to witness great caution, but the Iraqi national team is capable of dealing with these circumstances."

He concluded his remarks by saying: "I expect the Iraqi national team to settle the match with a score of (2-1), as the players will be able to adapt better during the second half, and then snatch the winning goal and achieve victory by the end of the match."