Ali Jassim Dispels Fans' Fears After Injury

The injury sustained by Ali Jassim during the match against Norway caused widespread concern among Iraq national team supporters over the past 24 hours, until the medical report came to reassure the 'Lions of Mesopotamia' ahead of the crucial match against France early next Monday in the 2026 World Cup.

Ali Jassim left the field in the 73rd minute of the match against Norway, which ended 4-1, after a strong aerial collision with Antonio Nusa, after which he complained of neck and upper back pain. The incident ignited social media, especially given the importance of the 22-year-old player in Graham Arnold's lineup.

Exclusive sources for winwin indicated that the initial examination by the medical staff immediately after the match did not show any serious injury, but the medical team preferred to wait for the delegation's return to the West Virginia camp for more precise tests.

Upon the team's arrival, Jassim informed the doctors that the pain had significantly subsided, and he underwent additional tests that confirmed his safety and absence of any tears or vertebral damage. Based on the results, the medical team gave him the green light to return to training, making him largely available for the match against France at Lincoln Field in Philadelphia at midnight on Monday.

The atmosphere inside the Iraq camp was not entirely reassuring; while the good news about Ali Jassim was announced, a worrying sign emerged from forward Mohannad Ali 'Mimi'.

In the recovery training session attended by the starters after returning from Boston, Mimi participated with the substitute group. However, he did not complete the session and left early after feeling pain in his right foot. Sources confirmed that the player informed the technical staff of his inability to continue, raising questions about his ability to join the match against the 'Roosters', who started their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Senegal.

The medical team decided to subject Mimi to additional tests to determine the extent of the injury and his absence duration, hoping that the bruise is minor and does not prevent him from participating in the toughest matches of Group Nine.