The Iraq national football team achieved a historic milestone in the 2026 World Cup, with player Ayman Hussein shining in the opening match. After a period of uncertainty regarding his participation due to being detained at U.S. customs, Hussein managed to score Iraq's first goal in World Cup history. Despite Iraq's 1-4 loss to Norway, Hussein's performance was encouraging. The team's coach, Graham Arnold, praised Hussein's level, noting the difficulty of controlling him in the penalty area. Ayman Hussein, 30 years old, is considered one of the team's standout players, having played a crucial role in Iraq's qualification for the World Cup by scoring the winning goal in the playoff against Bolivia. This achievement comes 40 years after Iraq's last World Cup appearance. Hussein expressed his disappointment after the match, but he and his teammates were proud of the goal he scored. Defender Hussein Ali confirmed that the goal was a moment of pride, despite the difficulty of celebrating the result. Hussein's personal history is filled with challenges, having lost his father at a young age, which has fueled his determination to succeed in football. This achievement represents the culmination of his efforts and resilience in the face of adversity.