Ali Jassim rejoins Iraq squad for Gulf Cup 27

Ali Jassim has been recalled to the Iraq national football team squad for the upcoming Gulf Cup 27, following the withdrawal of Marco Faraj. Faraj opted out of the tournament to focus on his new club, Heerenveen, in the Netherlands.

According to sources within the Iraqi Football Association, head coach Graham Arnold had previously favored Faraj over Jassim due to concerns regarding Jassim’s fitness following an injury and a delayed transfer to Zakho FC. However, Jassim’s return to competitive play with Zakho has made him available for selection.

Iraq is placed in Group A for the tournament, which will be hosted in Saudi Arabia, alongside Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait. The team is scheduled to begin their campaign against Oman on September 23.