The 20-year-old defender must choose between playing in the World Cup with Iraq or staying with his home team, Finland.
A major battle has started between the national football teams of Iraq and Finland over a talented young Kurdish player named Dario Rezgar Naamo. The 20-year-old defender, who plays for Dundee United in Scotland, is now at the center of a difficult choice that will decide his international future. Dario was born in Finland to a family from Qaladiza, and after being named Finland’s Best Young Player in 2024, both countries are desperate to have him on their roster. Known for being able to play any position in defense, his skills have made him one of the most wanted young prospects in the region.
Iraq’s head coach, Graham Arnold, wants Dario to be a key part of his team for the 2026 World Cup. The plan is to build a strong defense using Kurdish stars like Merchas Doski and Akam Hashim. However, Finland has already invited Dario to play in their upcoming big matches against Germany and Hungary. If he plays even one minute for Finland’s senior team, he will never be allowed to play for Iraq. While many Iraqi fans are angry that their officials waited too long to contact him, Dario now has to make a huge decision. He can choose Iraq for a chance to play in the World Cup, or stay with Finland, the country where he grew up and started his career.