On Wednesday, Nashville SC midfielder Ahmed Qasem was selected to Iraq's squad for the upcoming FIFA international window.
Qasem, 23, made his international debut with Iraq earlier this year after filing a one-time switch from Sweden. The winger appeared in all three of Iraq's matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, starting two.
Ahmed Qasem is included in Iraq's squad for the upcoming international break.
— Valair (@valairshabilla) September 16, 2026
Iraq will participate in the Gulf Cup and are guaranteed three matches (one or two more if they advance).
Qasem played in all three World Cup games and started two.#EveryoneN | #Iraq https://t.co/46yO4Svnh4
Iraq will play three matches in the Arabian Gulf Cup group stage, taking on Oman (Wednesday, September 23), Kuwait (Saturday, September 26), and Saudi Arabia (Tuesday, September 29). Should they advance, they'd play in the semifinals on Saturday, October 3, with the final set for Tuesday, October 6. Qasem will miss Nashville's match against Toronto FC on September 26.
Qasem is the fifth-highest scorer for Nashville SC in 2026. In 29 appearances, he's registered four goals and one assist. He's struggled to break into the starting lineup, making just 15 starts and playing 44% of potential minutes in all competitions, but has been an important option late in matches, leading the team with 14 appearances off the bench.
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