Iraq’s Ayman Hussein cleared to play in World Cup qualifiers after recovery

BAGHDAD — Iraqi national team striker Ayman Hussein has been cleared to participate in Iraq’s upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifying matches after undergoing medical tests at Hamad Hospital in Doha, Qatar, on Monday.

The medical team at Hamad Hospital confirmed Hussein is fit to return to the field following his final medical evaluation, according to state-owned Al Iraqiya.

The 28-year-old forward sustained an injury during Iraq’s match against Oman in the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sept. 5. Hussein suffered internal bleeding after a hard collision but continued to play until the 84th minute, scoring the only goal in Iraq’s 1-0 victory. He was later substituted due to severe pain and transported to Kuwait for emergency surgery.

With Hussein now cleared to play, Iraq will face Palestine this Thursday in Basra in their third qualifying match, followed by a game against South Korea in Seoul on Oct. 15.