Iraq’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been disrupted by a significant injury setback, with defender Ahmed Yahya ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring problem. The late withdrawal has forced the coaching staff to make a change to the squad just days before the team’s campaign begins.
Yahya suffers tournament-ending injury
Ahmed Yahya was expected to be an important part of Iraq’s defensive setup at the World Cup. However, medical examinations confirmed that the defender would not recover in time to participate in the tournament.
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The injury comes as a blow to Iraq, which is preparing for its first World Cup appearance in four decades. Yahya played a key role during the qualification campaign and brought valuable experience to the squad. His absence leaves a gap in the backline, forcing head coach Graham Arnold to rethink his defensive options ahead of the opening match.
🚨 Squad Update
— Iraq Football Podcast (@IraqFootballPod) June 6, 2026
Medical tests have confirmed that Ahmed Yahya has sustained an injury in the Spain match.
Graham Arnold has called up Ahmed Mkenzi to replace Ahmed Yahya in the final squad for the 2026 World Cup finals.
Wishing Ahmed Yahya a speedy recovery. 🇮🇶⚽ pic.twitter.com/aSccfIGjrU
To address the setback, Iraq has called up Ahmed Hassan Makenzie as Yahya’s replacement. The defender joined the squad in Chicago, where the team is finalising preparations before the tournament gets underway.
Makenzie handed opportunity on global stage
Makenzie’s inclusion offers him a chance to make an impact at the biggest event in international football. While the call-up comes under unfortunate circumstances, it provides the defender with an opportunity to contribute to Iraq’s historic World Cup return.
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The Iraqi squad remains focused despite the disruption. Arnold and his coaching staff have continued preparations with the aim of ensuring the team is ready for the challenge ahead. Iraq enters the competition with confidence after a successful qualification campaign and hopes to compete strongly against some of the world’s best teams.
Drawn alongside France, Senegal and Norway, Iraq faces a difficult task in the group stage. Experienced players such as Aymen Hussein and Zidane Iqbal are expected to play key roles as the team looks to overcome the loss of Yahya and make a positive impression on its long-awaited return to the World Cup stage.
