Ayman Hussein: Iraq's Key Against Norway

The Lions of Mesopotamia place their offensive hopes on Ayman Hussein's shoulders before the start of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Iraqi striker represents the most prominent strength in Graham Arnold's lineup, especially in the opening match against Norway at dawn tomorrow at one o'clock after midnight Baghdad time.

Iraq is in the fiery ninth group alongside France, Norway, and Senegal. The journey begins with the clash against Norway on June 17, followed by a test against France on the 23rd, and concludes the group stage with a match against Senegal on the 26th of the same month.

Former Iraq player Khaldoun Ibrahim believes that the current team possesses an exceptional generation. He stated that the abundance of good players has become evident in all lines: offense, defense, and midfield. The most important feature: the presence of a strong substitute for each position capable of compensating for any absence. This point was missing for many years, and now with the expansion of the human base, the team can maintain its strength throughout the tournament.

Khaldoun emphasized that the match against Norway requires "men" before any tactics. The confrontation will largely be decided by determination and fighting spirit. He also pointed out another factor that could tip the scales, which is the weather. The climate in the United States is similar to Iraq's, unlike Norway, which is accustomed to playing in the European cold. This climatic difference may pose a physical burden on the Viking players and give Iraq a relative advantage.

According to his reading of Arnold's ideas, Khaldoun expects captain Jalal Hassan to start as the main goalkeeper for his experience and role in directing the backline. In defense, he prefers Akam Hashim and Zaid Tahseen to be tasked with alternatingly marking Erling Haaland throughout the 90 minutes, to block the way for Norway's top scorer.

In the front line, there is no debate for him: Ayman Hussein is everyone's first choice. Behind him, he hopes to see Zidan Iqbal and Ali Jassim as a duo of playmakers feeding the striker with balls. He also praised Ibrahim Bayesh, confirming that his presence with the national team is not a courtesy, but a full merit because he executes the coach's instructions accurately and delivers what is asked of him on the field.