The Iraq national team is drawing on the experience of players performing in Southeast Asian leagues as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to a report published by Spotv Now this week, the team's coach has benefited from the strong performances of his defenders in Thailand and Indonesia.
This comes as the team faces a significant challenge following a difficult start to the global tournament. Iraq currently sits fourth in their group with zero points after three consecutive defeats, having lost their last match 5-0 to Senegal on June 26. The team has scored just one goal and conceded twelve in these three games, leaving them nine points behind group leaders France.
How did the Thai League help Rebin Sulaka?
Defender Rebin Sulaka led his club Port FC to a second-place finish in Thai League 1 this season. This achievement had continental implications, as the club secured qualification for the AFC Champions League Elite. Sulaka's outstanding performance directly contributed to his return to the Iraq national team setup after a lengthy absence.
Sulaka had spent much of the past year away from the national team, but his excellent campaign with Port FC forced his way back into contention. His club didn't just finish as league runners-up; they also lifted the Thai League Cup, demonstrating clear development in his game. Fans can track player performance developments on our stats page.
What makes Frans Putros stand out in Indonesia?
In Indonesia, defender Frans Putros played a key role in Persib Bandung's triumph in the 2025/26 league title. Despite limited involvement during Iraq's World Cup qualification campaign, his consistent performances in the domestic league earned him a place in the final World Cup squad.
Putros brings a different background, having been born in Denmark and adding European experience to the national team's defensive line. His selection for the final squad caps a successful season on both personal and club levels. The full national team squad can be viewed on our squad page.
Who are the other Southeast Asia-based players?
Beyond the Iraqi players, the region's leagues feature several athletes heading to the World Cup. In Malaysia, Mohammad Abualnadi and Noor Al-Rawabdeh play for Selangor and will represent Jordan in their nation's historic first World Cup appearance.
Abualnadi joined Selangor shortly after making his senior international debut for Jordan against North Korea in 2024, while Al-Rawabdeh arrived at the Malaysian club in 2023 and is one of Jordan's most experienced midfielders. At Terengganu, forward Gervane Kastaneer, who moved to the club in January 2026, will represent Curaçao in their first-ever World Cup.
What's next for Iraq after this start?
The Iraq national team faces a major challenge to improve their results after a run of five consecutive losses in their last five matches. The coach is relying on the experience of players abroad to turn things around, hoping Sulaka and Putros can strengthen the defensive line.
With few group stage matches remaining, the team needs to show rapid improvement in both performance and results. Iraqi football followers can track the team's standing and developments on our standings page. Everyone is counting on the experience gained from Asian leagues to produce surprises in the upcoming games.
