AFC U23 Asian Cup
Champions in 2013, Iraq once again showed their pedigree by finishing third at Qatar 2024, their best result in nearly a decade.
Factfile
Previous appearances: 6
Best finish: Champions (2013)
2024 record: Third
How they qualified: Group G winners
Group D fixtures: v China PR (Jan 8), v Thailand (Jan 11), v Australia (Jan 14)
Fun fact: Iraq's semi-final appearance in 2024 was their first since finishing third in 2016.
Previous appearances: 6
Best finish: Champions (2013)
2024 record: Third
How they qualified: Group G winners
Group D fixtures: v China PR (Jan 8), v Thailand (Jan 11), v Australia (Jan 14)
Fun fact: Iraq's semi-final appearance in 2024 was their first since finishing third in 2016.
By topping Group G of the Qualifiers with two wins and a draw, Iraq once again demonstrated their status as a perennial heavyweight in the competition.
Ali Jasim (pictured above) starred with a hat-trick in their qualifiers opener against Pakistan while the likes of Amoori Faisal (pictured below) and Muslim Mousa helped steer Iraq into the final of the Arab U23 Gulf Cup 2025 where they were defeated 2-0 by Saudi Arabia.
Ali Jasim (pictured above) starred with a hat-trick in their qualifiers opener against Pakistan while the likes of Amoori Faisal (pictured below) and Muslim Mousa helped steer Iraq into the final of the Arab U23 Gulf Cup 2025 where they were defeated 2-0 by Saudi Arabia.
Head coach Emad Mohammed will be spoilt for choice when he makes his final selection for Saudi Arabia 2025 with Jong FC Utrecht midfielder Zidane Iqbal also in the mix.
The former Manchester United academy ace has featured 22 times for the senior team, with his most recent appearance coming in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Playoffs win over Indonesia where he scored 14 minutes from time.
Despite being drawn in a competitive Group D, Iraq will be confident of advancing once again as they look to ride on their strong recent showings and mount a challenge for the title.
The former Manchester United academy ace has featured 22 times for the senior team, with his most recent appearance coming in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Playoffs win over Indonesia where he scored 14 minutes from time.
Despite being drawn in a competitive Group D, Iraq will be confident of advancing once again as they look to ride on their strong recent showings and mount a challenge for the title.
