Iraq was dealt a major injury scare as its key striker Aymen Hussein was subbed off after the first hydration break during their group-stage match against France in Philadelphia on Monday.
Hussein is the highest goalscorer in Iraq’s current World Cup squad and scored its opening goal of the tournament against Norway, marking it returned to the quadrennial contest after four decades.
Why did Iraq replace striker Aymen Hussein early on?
Aymen Hussein was seen grabbing his hamstring for discomfort before the hydration break and that could be the likely reason why coach Graham Arnold called him off.
Ali Al Hamadi replaced him in front of Iraq’s attack.
Hussein has been one of Iraq’s most dependable strikers in recent years, with his winning goal guiding Iraq into the FIFA World Cup after four decades.
Iraq is drawn in Group I alongside France, Norway and Senegal and suffered a 1-4 drubbing to the Norwegians in its opening clash. It currently trails 0-1 against France and will end its group-stage against Senegal four days later.
Published on Jun 23, 2026
