Iraq secured its World Cup berth through the intercontinental playoff, where Ayman Hussein netted the decisive goal in the match against Bolivia. According to SVT Sport, Ayman Hussein described the victory as for the Iraqi people who have suffered for a long time, adding that it was the biggest day of their lives. The exact number of Iraqi supporters present in Monterrey for the playoff match has not been confirmed.
At the World Cup, Iraq will play in Group I, facing opponents Norway, France, and Senegal. Major media reports indicate that Iraq's opening World Cup match is against Norway on June 16, though the full schedule details beyond this are not yet fully disclosed. The group stage draw sets up challenging fixtures for the Iraqi team as they prepare for the tournament.
I want to thank God, we are going to the World Cup and this is the biggest day of our lives. This victory is for the Iraqi people who have suffered for a long time.
This qualification marks only Iraq's second World Cup appearance, with major media noting that the 1986 World Cup was its only previous one. Iraq played 21 games in World Cup qualification, according to major media, highlighting a long and arduous path to this achievement. The legacy of Uday Hussein regarding the 1986 Iraqi World Cup team remains unclear in current discussions.
Star player Ayman Hussein's journey to this moment has been marked by personal tragedy and hardship. Major media reports that he lost his father in an al-Qaeda attack in 2008, though the exact details of that attack are not specified. His brother disappeared in 2014, and he was forced to flee with his family, according to major media; what happened to his brother remains unknown.
It is the first time in my life where I can look at myself in the mirror and say: 'Damn, Aimar. You should be proud'.
These experiences have shaped his resilience on and off the field. Coaching and player contributions were pivotal in Iraq's qualification. Graham Arnold is the coach of Iraq, as reported by major media, but the specific impact he had on the qualification campaign is not detailed.
Aimar Sher played 52 minutes for Iraq against Bolivia, according to other sources. According to Fotbollskanalen, Aimar Sher described the qualification as the craziest thing in his career and life, expressing pride and disbelief. He also noted that it has been 40 years since Iraq last qualified, emphasizing the significance for a country that has suffered immensely.
It is 40 years since Iraq qualified for the World Cup. There have been years where Iraq has suffered incredibly much, not only football-wise but also as a country. To give them joy, love, and everything this means. It is something I could only dream of a few years ago.
I was shaking, I was trembling. I could almost not watch. I looked down at the ground. That last quarter felt like three hours. Time did not pass. When I took up my phone and called my family after the final whistle and saw how proud and happy they were, that was the finest moment of my life.
It is no secret that this is the craziest thing that has happened to me so far in my career and in my life. It is difficult to explain the feelings after the final whistle. If I am to be completely honest, I still have not understood what has happened. I think it will take a little while to understand it. I am incredibly proud.