Monitor

Iraq targets 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification as PM emphasizes ‘accountability’

BAGHDAD — Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani met with Iraq’s soccer association President Adnan Dirjal and members of the association’s executive office on Saturday, urging a unified effort to secure the national team’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“The mission of the national football team is a national responsibility that transcends individual or institutional preferences,” Al-Sudani quoted to say from a statement by his media office. He warned that failure to achieve this goal would make all parties “accountable.”

Dirjal and other members expressed gratitude for the prime minister’s involvement, assuring their commitment during the critical qualifiers. They highlighted the establishment of an operations room in coordination with the team’s coach to streamline efforts for World Cup qualification.

Earlier this month, Al-Sudani met with Dirjal to discuss Iraq’s disappointing performance in the Gulf Cup. Iraq, reigning champions at the time, crashed out in the group stage. Also discussed at that meeting was Iraq’s efforts to clinch World Cup qualification for only the second time.

Four matches remain in the qualifiers, with the top two teams from each group securing direct qualification for the World Cup.

Iraq is scheduled to play against Kuwait on March 20 and Palestine on March 25. The team will also face South Korea on June 5 and Jordan on June 10.

Statement from PM Al-Sudani’s media office:

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met today, Saturday, the President of the Iraqi Football Association, Mr. Adnan Dirjal, along with the members of the Iraqi Football Association’s executive office.

His Excellency emphasized the importance of focusing efforts on the national football team to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He underscored the necessity of overcoming all differences, stressing that failure to achieve this goal would make everyone accountable.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani stated that the current mission of the national football team is a national responsibility that transcends the preferences of any individual or institution. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing support as a significant national duty, emphasizing that any detected shortcomings or mistakes will be addressed to ensure they are not repeated.

The President and members of the Iraqi Football Association expressed their gratitude to Prime Minister Al-Sudani for his interest in the Iraqi Football Association’s work. They assured him of their unity during this critical phase of the qualifiers, noting that an operations room has been established in coordination with the team’s coach to focus on achieving qualification for the World Cup.