Ahmed Qasim Makes a Promise to Iraqi Fans Before the World Cup

Ahmed Qasim, a Nashville SC player, has made a promise to Iraqi fans to work with all his energy to secure a starting spot in the Lions of Mesopotamia lineup, ahead of joining the national team camp currently held in Girona, Spain, in preparation for the 2026 World Cup finals.

The 22-year-old player is included in the preliminary extended squad announced by coach Graham Arnold, which features 33 names. All players will be evaluated during the camp that started today, which includes two friendly matches before announcing the final World Cup squad.

Ahmed Qasim revealed that he will join the national team delegation tomorrow, Sunday, immediately after his match with Nashville against New York City in the American league. He said in media statements: "I must work hard to gain the trust of the coach and my new teammates, this is a promise to the Iraqi fans. My main goal is to prove my worthiness to be here, and to play with all my energy for the emblem and the team's interest."

The player mentioned that he followed the decisive Iraq vs. Bolivia match in the qualifiers, confirming that the atmosphere of qualification was the family talk all day. He added: "When Iraq officially secured qualification, I felt the extent of the suffering we went through to reach the World Cup. This moment makes me more determined to give everything I have."

Although Iraq will face global teams in the World Cup, Qasim emphasized that the team enters without a sense of inferiority. He said: "Football is decided on the field between 11 against 11, and the best wins. We want to deliver the best performances even if the result does not favor us, because we aim to gain the trust and love of the fans who deserve joy."

Since the start of the current season in the American league, Qasim has participated in 13 matches with Nashville, scoring one goal and assisting another. He also played in 6 matches in the CONCACAF Champions Cup and scored an additional goal, after transferring to the team from Swedish club Elfsborg.