Aymen Hussein
CF
Target Striker
Mar 22, 1996 (30)
Right
6'2"
185 lb
Doesn't feature vs. Senegal
Hussein (groin) didn't play in Friday's 5-0 loss to Senegal.
Analysis: Hussein was initially considered a late call for Iraq in this group-stage finale, but the striker didn't come off the bench. Hussein scored Iraq's lone goal of the tournament in the 4-1 defeat against Norway and finished his 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with one goal, three shots (one on target) and one chance created in two appearances and 116 minutes of action.
Late call for Senegal clash
Hussein (groin) participated in full team training and will be a late decision for the match against Senegal, according to IraqXtra.
Analysis: Hussein had to be substituted in Iraq's previous game against France due to an apparent groin problem, but he trained fully with the squad on the eve of the match, easing fears around their most important player and biggest aerial threat. A decision on his involvement looks set to come late, and whether he starts straight away remains to be seen.
Injured in first half
Hussein was forced off with an apparent groin injury in the 26th minute of Monday's match against France.
Analysis: Hussein would have to exit the field with what appeared to be a groin injury Monday, walking off on his own weight despite the apparent discomfort. This is a rough loss for the team, as he is their captain and also scored in their opener, hoping it is nothing that will knock him out of the group stage finale. He was replaced by Ali Al Hamadi, a potential replacement moving forward if Hussein misses further time.
Scores in both lets
Hussein scored one goal to go with an own goal, three shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Tuesday's 4-1 defeat against Norway.
Analysis: Hussein recorded a rare feat in Tuesday's match, scoring a goal for Iraq while also netting an own goal, the first such occurrence in a World Cup competition since 2018. Despite the mishap, the forward delivered a solid attacking performance, tallying three shots, winning two aerial duels, and maintaining an 80 percent pass accuracy. Paired with Al Hamadi, Hussein serves as the focal point of the attack, however, with two difficult matchups remaining, scoring opportunities for the side may be limited.
Set to lead line
Hussein is expected to lead the line for Iraq at the World Cup, as well as a potential role on penalties.
Analysis: Hussein scored a massive goal against Bolivia to send Iraq to the World Cup, and it was no fluke, as his work rate and physicality buoyed Iraq throughout their qualification campaign. The forward should play a huge role at the World Cup and should split penalties with his exceptional ball-striking. It's a tough group for Iraq, but if they are going to salvage any results it will require more heroics from Hussein.
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