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Aymen Hussein
Person

Aymen Hussein

Iraqi striker who scored the decisive second goal to send Iraq to the 2026 World Cup.

Last refreshed: 1 April 2026

Key Question

Was Hussein's 53rd-minute goal the moment Iraq's World Cup dream became real?

Latest on Aymen Hussein

#41 Apr

Iraq Qualify for First World Cup in 40 Years

Common Questions
Who is Aymen Hussein?
An Iraqi striker who scored the second goal in Iraq's 2-1 win over Bolivia on 31 March 2026, securing Iraq's first World Cup qualification in 40 years.Source: Al Jazeera

Background

Aymen Hussein is an Iraqi international striker who plays club football in the region. On 31 March 2026, he scored Iraq's second goal on 53 minutes in their World Cup playoff against Bolivia in Monterrey, securing a 2-1 victory and Iraq's qualification for the first World Cup in 40 years.

Bolivia had pulled a goal back through Moisés Paniagua in the 38th minute, making Hussein's 53rd-minute strike the decisive goal that restored Iraq's two-goal cushion. The match was played while Iraqi airspace remained closed following the Iran-US conflict, requiring players to travel on chartered flights through third countries. Iraq's Group I opponents are France, Senegal and Norway.