"I am your brother".. An Emotional Message from Younis Mahmoud to Iraq's Players Before the 2026 World Cup

SadaNews - Younis Mahmoud, the president of the Iraq Football Association, delivered an emotional message to the players of the Iraqi national team ahead of their participation in the 2026 World Cup, which marks the first appearance of the "Lions of Mesopotamia" in the World Cup after a 40-year absence.

Younis Mahmoud appeared in a video message shown to the players during the national team's training camp, saying: "I congratulate you on being included in the final list that will represent Iraq at the World Cup after 40 years of absence."

He added: "On behalf of the Iraq Football Association, we congratulate all of you. I also want to express my gratitude to Mr. Graham, the leader of the Lions' team, as well as the coaching, administrative, and medical staff, and all members of the delegation currently in Spain."

He continued: "It is a great honor for you to lead the Iraqi national team to the World Cup. Enjoy this moment, excel on the field, and represent your country in the best possible way. We, at the Iraq Football Association, will provide you with everything you need to achieve success."

He concluded his message by saying: "I am your brother, not your federation president, and I will always be close to you, supporting and backing you, until you shine in a way that befits Iraq and its people."

The 2026 World Cup will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with Iraq's national team competing in Group 9 alongside France, Senegal, and Norway.

Source: Al Jazeera