ZURICH — World Cup-bound Iraq has received FIFA approval for two new players eligible for selection: Nashville SC midfielder Ahmed Qasem and Dundee United defender Dario Naamo.
Both players meet FIFA requirements for a binding change of national eligibility due to family ties to Iraq. The national team qualified in March for its first World Cup appearance in 40 years.
The 22-year-old Qasem was born in Sweden and represented Sweden at youth level through the Under-21s before moving to Major League Soccer side Nashville SC from Elfsborg last year.
The 20-year-old Naamo was born in Finland and was still playing for Finland's Under-21 team in March before completing his eligibility switch.
Iraq will face a challenging World Cup group featuring France, Norway and Senegal, with all three teams boasting stellar forwards in Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Sadio Mané.
Iraq coach Graham Arnold previously led his native Australia at the 2022 World Cup and can now select two additional players who developed their football in Europe.