Iraq loses to Palestine in World Cup qualifier with head coach Jesús Casas under pressure

NEWSROOM — Iraq suffered a 2-1 defeat to Palestine on Tuesday in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match at Amman International Stadium in Jordan, leaving the team in third place in its group.

With the loss, Iraq remains at 12 points, trailing South Korea with 16 points and Jordan with 13.

Following the match, head coach Jesús Casas apologized to Iraqi fans and took responsibility for the result.

“We played well in the first half and lost control in the second,” Casas said at a post-match press conference. “We lost many duels. I apologize to the Iraqi people, and we must make up for this. All the players, including myself, are responsible. The decision to dismiss me is not up to me; whoever supports it, let them do it.”

Amid speculation about his dismissal, team administrative manager Mahdi Karim denied reports that Casas had been fired. He said the Iraqi Football Association’s executive committee would meet soon to evaluate the coach’s future.

Former national team star Nashat Akram criticized Casas’ leadership in a televised interview.

“Casas, after every loss, comes out to justify, and his way of justifying is illogical and unrealistic,” Akram said. “You are the one leading the team, you are the one choosing the players, and you are the one choosing the playing style.”