FIFA World Cup 2026: Iraq squad strengthened by FIFA’s latest eligibility decision

Iraq have two new players for possible selection after FIFA approved the eligibility of Nashville SC midfielder Ahmed Qasem and Dundee United defender Dario Naamo.

Both meet FIFA rules for a binding change of national eligibility due to family ties to Iraq. The national team qualified for its first World Cup in 40 years in March despite travel difficulties during the conflict in the Middle East.

They are in a difficult World Cup group that includes France, Norway and Senegal, who all have great attackers in Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Sadio Mané.

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Iraq coach Graham Arnold previously led his native Australia to the 2022 World Cup and can now choose two more players who grew up in Europe.

22-year-old Qasem was born in Sweden and has represented that country at youth level through to Under-21.

He moved from Elfsborg to Major League Soccer team Nashville last year.

The 20-year-old Naamo was born in Finland and played for the Under-21 team in March.

Published on May 12, 2026