News — Nashville SC — 2026 World Cup

Ahmed Qasem named to Iraq's final World Cup roster

The 22-year-old midfielder set to be Nashville SC's only representative at the World Cup

, and Ben Wright

June 1, 2026 . 7:26 AM

1 min read

Nashville SC midfielder Ahmed Qasem has been selected to Iraq's final 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ahmed Qasem is officially heading to the 2026 World Cup with Iraq.

He will be the only Nashville SC player at the tournament.

A great addition to the Iraqi squad 🇮🇶#EveryoneN https://t.co/oUuh9ppAmO
— Valair (@valairshabilla) June 1, 2026

Qasem, 22, filed a one-time switch to represent Iraq earlier in May, after representing Sweden through the U21 levels. Qasem started Iraq's 1-0 win over Andorra in Girona, Spain, on Friday, playing on the right side of midfield in a 4-4-2. They'll play Spain in a friendly this Thursday, before kicking off their World Cup campaign against Norway on June 16.

This is Iraq's first World Cup appearance since 1986, and their second appearance all-time. Iraq have yet to win a match at a World Cup.