His Excellency, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Naeem Abd Yaser Al-Aboudi said that “We congratulate our national team on their well-deserved victory over the UAE and their qualification for the World Cup playoffs for the 2026 World Cup finals”.

Dr. Al-Aboudi added that “Congratulations to the Lions of Mesopotamia, and best of luck in this new chapter of hope and ambition as they strive to reach the World Cup”.