Iraq faces a formidable journey in the upcoming World Cup, recognized as one of the more daunting quests among Arab nations. Despite the challenges, attacking midfielder Ahmed Qasem remains optimistic, asserting that in football, surprising outcomes are always possible.
### Collective Belief and Fan Support
Qasem expressed hope that Iraq can achieve something remarkable: “We’ve seen instances where underdogs triumph, and I believe we can do the same.” As the team prepares for their first World Cup appearance in four decades, they have garnered a loyal following of Iraqi fans who have been present at the team’s training camp in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. The support from fans outside their hotel has been palpable, injecting the players with motivation. “We feel it all the time. As a team, we are like a family, and we hope to express our emotions on the pitch and give back to our supporters,” he said.
As part of their final preparations, Iraq hosted an open training session at the Greenbrier Resort, shortly after a tough 2-0 friendly loss to Venezuela. These training efforts aim to refine their strategies for facing top-tier opponents during the group stages of the tournament.
### Ready to Face the Giants
The Lions of Mesopotamia are gearing up to confront some of football’s elite, including Norway’s Erling Haaland, France’s Kylian Mbappé, and Senegal’s Sadio Mane. Group I, featuring these prominent squads, has been dubbed the “group of death,” presenting a significant challenge for the Iraqi team. Qasem acknowledges the weight of the competition, stating, “These are big teams and players. Our collective play is critical. To win these matches, we must operate as a unified team.” He remains resolute, adding, “Nothing is impossible.”
### A Historic Qualification
Iraq’s road to the World Cup was not an easy one. They became the last team to qualify for the expanded 2026 tournament, securing their spot by defeating Bolivia 2-1 in the inter-confederation playoff final this March. This pivotal win ended a 40-year drought and served as a moment of unity for a nation that has experienced significant turmoil.
“Everyone is thrilled about our country’s participation in the World Cup,” Qasem remarked. “It’s the pinnacle of football. As a player, the excitement is immense—my family feels it, and the joy is palpable within our community.”
### Qasem’s Journey
Qasem himself is on a remarkable path as he embraces this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. After recently switching his national allegiance from Sweden, where he played for Elfsborg, he made his senior debut for Iraq in a friendly against Andorra. Now with Nashville SC, he has established himself in the league with notable performance metrics.
As he prepares for this global tournament, he reflects on the emotional weight of the World Cup. “Watching the tournament, you see the biggest stars shine on the grandest stage, and it’s always been a dream of mine. Now, to be living it is surreal. I think it will take time to fully comprehend this experience, but I’m incredibly happy to be here.”
With the hopes of a nation resting on their shoulders, Iraq’s squad is determined to make their mark in a prestigious competition. The journey may be arduous, but Qasem’s belief and the team’s unity could very well lead to unexpected success.