Kurdish stars from Erbil, Duhok, and Newroz bring local talent and international experience to Iraq’s U-23 squad ahead of Olympic qualifiers
As Iraq prepares for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers, excitement is building across the country. For these young footballers, the road ahead is more than just a tournament — it is a chance to step onto the global stage at the Olympic Games.
The team, led by head coach Imad Mohammed, will begin its journey with training sessions in Baghdad, before traveling to Malaysia for a rigorous external camp. The qualifiers, scheduled for next month, represent a defining moment for the players, many of whom carry the hopes of both their local communities and the wider nation.
What makes this year’s squad especially significant is the strong contribution from the Kurdistan Region. Footballers from Erbil, Duhok, and Newroz clubs are among those chosen, reflecting the increasing role of Kurdish talent in shaping Iraq’s sporting future.
From Duhok, three rising stars — Josef Imam, Mustafa Nawaf, and Hassan Emad — have earned their call-ups. Erbil SC will see two of its own, Mustafa Qabil and Zulfiqar Younis, proudly don the national jersey. Adding to the list is goalkeeper Reza Abdulaziz, who recently joined Newroz SC after a stint with Najaf.
The squad also brings together experience from beyond Iraq’s borders. Botan Amin, a Kurdish professional with Swindon Town in England, will join the training camp in Malaysia. His international presence is expected to provide valuable leadership to a squad filled with youthful energy and ambition.
Goalkeeper Imran Zaki, formerly of Zakho and now with Mosul, adds further depth to the roster. His selection highlights how players from every corner of Iraq are uniting with one goal: securing Olympic qualification.
For Iraq’s young footballers, this campaign is about more than just results. It is about proving resilience in the face of challenges, showing that football can unite the nation, and inspiring the next generation of players. As they lace up their boots for the qualifiers, the dream of hearing Iraq’s anthem on the Olympic stage feels closer than ever.