Preview of Iraq U20, group favorite before facing Thailand U20 in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. The match is highly anticipated as both teams compete for top spot in Group F.
On 28 August 2026, get to know Iraq U20, a key opponent of Thailand U20 in the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2027 Qualifiers Group F, hosted by Thailand.
The qualifying round is divided into 8 groups of 4 teams each. Thailand U20 is in Group F with Iraq, UAE, and Turkmenistan.
Iraq U20, the favorites in Group F, is led by coach Ahmed Salah, a former Iraq national team striker. The squad combines professional domestic league players with talented youth prospects.
Iraq U20 has been training in Thailand for two weeks preparing for the AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers, showing strong results in Bangkok friendlies: beating Kuwait 1-0, Indonesia 2-1, and drawing 0-0 with Iran.
- Physique, strength, and aggression: Iraqi players stand out for their physical build and tough style typical of Middle Eastern football.
- Transition from defense to attack: They have fast attackers who cut inside and effectively launch long balls into open spaces.
- Defensive discipline and space management: They often leave gaps at the back when pushing forward, leading to lost positions or risky fouls.
- Consistency in ball possession: When pressed quickly by opponents, they tend to make passing errors in their own half.
1. Zain Al-Abidin Yassim (Forward)
Strengths: Highly skilled with agile dribbling and sharp acceleration. He can decide matches with individual talent and create chances in tight spaces.
2. Al-Amir Haidar Mohammed (Forward)
Strengths: Tall and strong, good at holding up play and aerial duels, serving as a dangerous target man especially on set pieces.
3. Yousuf Yassim (Midfielder)
Strengths: Playmaker who controls the game tempo with vision to thread passes behind defenses and a threat with long-range shots outside the penalty area.
31 August 2026: Thailand vs UAE
3 September 2026: Turkmenistan vs Thailand
6 September 2026: Iraq vs Thailand
Live broadcast on: Thairath TV Channel 32,www.thairath.co.th/tv/live
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*Image credit: Iraq National Team
