Bayesh Leads Iraq’s World Cup Charge Against Saudi Arabia

Ibrahim Bayesh is on the brink of making history for Iraqi football. The talented playmaker is just 90 minutes away from helping Iraq qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1986. To secure this monumental achievement, Iraq must overcome Saudi Arabia in a crucial match in Jeddah on Tuesday.

Upcoming Showdown: Iraq vs. Saudi Arabia

Iraq achieved a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Indonesia at Alinma Stadium. This win has set the stage for a decisive match against the hosts, Saudi Arabia. The winner of this clash will claim a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

• Date: Tuesday
• Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
• Match Outcome: Iraq needs to win; a draw or win would qualify Saudi Arabia.

Bayesh: A Rising Star

At just 25 years old, Bayesh has already made significant contributions to his club and country. Currently playing for Al Riyadh in the Roshn Saudi League, he has previously played for Baghdad-based Al Quwa Al Jawiya. His notable impact includes helping his former club win the AFC Cup in 2018.

Bayesh rose to prominence during the knockout stages of that tournament. He scored the second goal in the final against Turkmenistan’s Altyn Asyr, securing a 2-0 victory. This performance propelled him to a spot on Iraq’s national team, where he has continued to excel.

Recent Achievements

Bayesh has experienced a blend of highs and lows throughout his career. After missing out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he found success a year later by winning the Arabian Gulf Cup, which was hosted in Iraq for the first time since 1988. As a key player in the tournament, he was named MVP, scoring three goals and finishing as joint-top scorer.

Current Season and Expectations

Bayesh’s debut season at Al Riyadh saw him rank as the club’s second top-scorer, netting five goals. However, his current season began with a setback due to a red card in a match against Al Najmah. Despite this, anticipation is high for the critical match against Saudi Arabia.

Under manager Graham Arnold, there is renewed optimism within the Iraqi team. Bayesh remains focused on his lifelong dream of playing in the FIFA World Cup. After the victory against Indonesia, he expressed gratitude to the fans and reiterated his determination to help Iraq realize their World Cup qualification dream. “God willing, we will realize the dream of qualifying to the World Cup,” he said in a video shared by the Asian Football Confederation.