By decision of “FIFA”… Two professional players strengthen Iraq’s World Cup roster sports

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has approved the eligibility of the duo, Ahmed Qassem, the American midfielder for Nashville, and Dario Namo, the Scottish defender for Dundee United, to be on the Iraqi national team roster that will participate in the World Cup.

The two players comply with FIFA regulations regarding changing national eligibility in a binding manner. Because of his family ties to Iraq.

Last March, the “Lions of Mesopotamia” qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 40 years, despite the travel difficulties the team faced due to the atmosphere of the American-Israeli war on Iran.

The Iraqi national team will play in a difficult group that includes France, Norway and Senegal, which includes prominent stars in the attacking line such as Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Sadio Mane.

Australian Graham Arnold, coach of the Iraqi national team, previously led his country in the 2022 World Cup, and he can now rely on players established in European leagues.

Ahmed Qasim, born in Sweden, is 22 years old. Where he represented the junior and youth teams, reaching the under-21 team, and moved to Nashville from Elfsborg, Sweden.

As for Namo (20 years old), he was born in Finland, and wore the jersey of its U-21 national team last March.