Iraqi stars Bayesh, Rashid, Putros join Basra camp for World Cup qualifiers
Basra (IraqiNews.com) – Key members of the Iraqi national football team have begun arriving at Basra International Airport to join the squad's training camp at Basra Sports City. The camp, led by new head coach Graham Arnold, is in preparation for crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifying matches.
Among the arrivals are Saudi-based Al-Riyadh SC professional Ibrahim Bayesh, Erbil SC's Osama Rashid, and Port FC (Thailand) defender Frans Putros. The first training session under Arnold took place on Monday (May 26, 2025) with 19 players present.
Star midfielder Montadhar Majid of Sweden's Hammarby IF is expected to join the 'Lions of Mesopotamia' after playing his final club match next Saturday.
Iraq faces two vital qualifiers in early June: against South Korea on June 5th and Jordan on June 10th. The team is now intensifying its preparations as the full squad assembles under their new Australian coach for these pivotal encounters.
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