Mohannad Ali "Mimi," the Iraqi national team striker and Dibba Al-Fujairah forward in the UAE, has gained attention for his impressive form in the UAE league, drawing focus from Iraqi fans and media ahead of the critical Asian playoff for the 2026 World Cup.
At 25, Mimi aims to secure a starting spot against Indonesia on Saturday, with growing discussions about his readiness and technical ability compared to fellow striker Ayman Hussein.
Coach Graham Arnold faces a challenge in selecting his main striker, as he typically favors Hussein, especially for a style reliant on crosses and set pieces. However, Mimi’s current physical and technical form, along with his strong record against East Asian teams, could influence Arnold’s decision.
Mimi, the last Iraqi player to score against Saudi Arabia, is confident about starting after recovering his form, despite a past red card incident. With 23 goals in 58 international matches, he remains a key figure in Iraq’s World Cup aspirations.
At 25, Mimi aims to secure a starting spot against Indonesia on Saturday, with growing discussions about his readiness and technical ability compared to fellow striker Ayman Hussein.
Coach Graham Arnold faces a challenge in selecting his main striker, as he typically favors Hussein, especially for a style reliant on crosses and set pieces. However, Mimi’s current physical and technical form, along with his strong record against East Asian teams, could influence Arnold’s decision.
Mimi, the last Iraqi player to score against Saudi Arabia, is confident about starting after recovering his form, despite a past red card incident. With 23 goals in 58 international matches, he remains a key figure in Iraq’s World Cup aspirations.
