The Iraq Football Association (IFA) has commenced the search for a new coach after firing Spanish coach Jesus Casas. Casas has been relieved of his duties after the Lions of Mesopotamia lost 2-1 to Palestine in a shocking defeat in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
The IFA is not expected to get an early replacement but Moroccan Houcine Ammouta is one of the clear favorites to take over the national side. The 55-year-old former Atlas Lions midfielder currently handles UAE Pro League side Al Jazira. He is one of the most successful coaches to ever come from North Africa in the last two decades.
Iraqis were disappointed after their team failed to beat Kuwait and Palestine in Group B as they slipped to third position with 12 points, one point below the automatic qualification place.
Ammouta won the CAF Champions League, CAF Confederation Cup, Morocco's Botola Pro, the Qatar Stars League and the 2020 African Nations Championship (CHAN). His Jordan side reached the 2024 Asian Cup final where they lost to hosts Qatar.
If Iraq appoints Ammouta, then he will compete for a place at the 2026 World Cup with his countryman Jamal Sellami. Sellami is the coach of Jordan, second in Group B with 13 points.
Comments