Hours before the dawn whistle on Wednesday in Monterrey, former Iraqi star Laith Hussein sent a direct message of support to the national team players, affirming that facing Bolivia in the final global playoff qualifying for the 2026 World Cup represents a 'historic opportunity to achieve a long-awaited dream for Iraqi fans.'

The Iraqi team concluded its training on Tuesday by conducting the final session, where the technical staff led by Graham Arnold focused on tactical aspects and gave players precise tasks to execute in the crucial match that requires exceptional performance. The message within the camp is clear: discipline, focus, and effectiveness in front of the goal.

Laith Hussein said in statements to the winwin platform: 'Iraqi fans are waiting for a big joy from the players, and we as former players urge them to be up to the responsibility in this decisive confrontation. Football knows no impossibility, and just one match may be enough to write their names in the history of Iraqi football.'

He added: 'Commitment to applying technical duties and implementing the technical staff's instructions on the field will be the key to success, along with the necessity of playing cautiously, with high focus, and showing genuine determination to achieve victory over Bolivia. Qualification for the World Cup will give players the opportunity to immortalize their names for future generations.'

Hussein explained: 'The Iraqi team is capable of achieving the goal and reaching the World Cup, despite the difficulty and great importance of the match. It possesses distinguished elements capable of deciding the confrontation within 90 minutes, especially given the physical and technical readiness the players have shown during the training camp in Monterrey.'

He continued: 'The experience of the national team players in big matches will be a decisive factor. I hope for tactical commitment and capitalizing on opportunities in front of the goal, because, in my expectation, it will be a closed match and caution will be the main theme; therefore, it might be decided by a set piece.'

Laith Hussein concluded his speech by saying: 'Iraqi fans have been waiting for this moment for many years, and we hope the players deliver a match worthy of the name of Iraq and fulfill the fans' dream of reaching the finals. The atmosphere is special in Monterrey, and we hope everyone is keen to successfully complete the task.'

Iraq looks forward to making its second World Cup appearance in history following its first in Mexico 1986, as the United States, Canada, and Mexico host the next edition between June 11 and July 19. Between Laith Hussein's message, public motivation, and official support, the equation seems clear: tactical discipline, effectiveness in the final third, and calm nerves... to write new names in the history of Iraqi football.