Amman: Jordanian Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al-Safadi affirmed on Monday that Iraq is a great country and its people are great, noting that the Iraqi national team will achieve the feat of qualifying for the World Cup via the Asian play-off.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, a statement by the Football Association shared that “Head of the Iraqi Football Association, Adnan Dirjal, received Speaker of the Jordanian Parliament, Ahmed Al-Safadi, at the residence of the national team delegation in the capital, Amman, in the presence of the Iraqi Ambassador to Jordan, Omar Al-Barzanji.”

The statement added that Al-Safadi addressed the Iraqi national football team players, welcoming them to Jordan and expressing his belief in their potential. He remarked, “Welcome to your second country. Iraq is a great country and its people are great. It’s true that you didn’t qualify for the World Cup directly, but I am certain that you will achieve the feat of qualifying through the Asian play-offs.”

Al-Safadi recalled the historic moment from 40 years ago when the Jordanian people celebrated the Iraqi national team’s qualification for the World Cup held in Mexico. He mentioned his personal support and fandom for the team back then and extended his wishes to the “Lions of Mesopotamia” for success in the upcoming stage.

The pivotal match between the Iraqi national team and its Jordanian counterpart is scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, at 9:15 PM Baghdad time, at Amman International Stadium. This match concludes the second stage of the Asian World Cup qualifiers and is anticipated to draw a large crowd.