Iraq is also a tough opponent.
Team Korea led by Coach Hong Myung-bo will face Iraq in the fourth Group B match of the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 North-China World Cup that will take place at 8 p.m. on Saturday (Korea time). Iraq, ranked 55th by FIFA, is ranked second only to Korea (23rd) in Group B.
Korea and Iraq now have two wins and one draw (7 points) in the third qualifying round. Iraq is in second place in the group, trailing Iraq in terms of gains and losses. Korea has the upper hand in past matches with nine wins, 12 draws and two losses. It won 1-0 in an exhibition match held in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates in January.
Iraq scored two goals in three matches of the third qualifying round, but has yet to yield a single goal. It has only one goal in seven recent A-match games. Since Coach Jesus Casas of Spain, who was mentioned as a candidate for the national team’s leadership, took the helm, Iraq has become even stronger. Based on solid defense, the team will stage effective counterattacks. The opposing team does not seem to be able to block the team even though they know it.
Striker Aymen Hussain (Al-Kor) is on alert for the first time. Hussain appeared unable to call up an A match in October due to a rib injury, but joined the team. He clearly showed his presence by scoring six goals in four matches at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup that ended in February. In particular, he played a leading role in suppressing Japan. Notably, he has scored 16 goals since Casas took the helm. 안전놀이터
Hussein is a right-footed player but also uses his left foot well. He is also threatening to use his 188 centimeters tall header. He also scored two goals that Iraq recorded in the third preliminary round. As he is also good at counterattacks, his carelessness can instantly lead to a loss. He needs concentration from defense teams including Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich).
Ali Jasim (Como 1907), a striker who plays for Italy’s Serie A league, should also be cautious. Jasim, who mainly plays as a left-side striker and an attacking midfielder, has accurate kick. He is one of the strikers the Korean team should block along with Hussein as he boasts threatening mid-range shots and crosses. Ali al-Hamadi is also playing for Ipswich Town in the English Premier League.
Another challenge is how to break through Iraq’s main goalkeeper Jalil Hasan (Al-Zawra). The team also includes defender Levine Sulaka (Shafhausen), who played for K-League FC Seoul.