Ahmed Al-Dhafiri

BASRA, Iraq March 19: Kuwait’s Ahmed Al-Dhafiri emphasized the significance of the Blues' upcoming matches in the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup against Iraq and Oman.

"Despite the challenges ahead, the team has shown remarkable progress, especially after reaching the Gulf Cup semi-finals, which has given us a major morale boost," Al-Dhafiri stated.

Reflecting on previous performances, he said, "We played two outstanding matches against Jordan—both in Amman and at Jaber International Stadium. Jordan is a strong team, having finished as runner-up in the Asian Cup. To compete at that level and control the game, particularly in the second match, was a technical breakthrough for us. It boosted the players' confidence, and since then, we've seen clear improvement in our performance."

Al-Dhafiri also praised head coach Juan Pizzi, highlighting his experience and impact on the team. "He has a distinguished track record and has effectively utilized the players to bring out their best. This has fostered a strong bond between the squad and the coach, leading to positive results. Our performance in the 26th Gulf Cup strengthened the fans' confidence in the team and enhanced the harmony between players and the coaching staff, which will be crucial in the qualifiers."

Looking ahead to the Iraq match, he acknowledged the challenge: "Iraq is one of Asia's strongest teams, boasting many talented players. It  also has the advantage of playing at home in front of its fans, but we are confident in our ability to secure a positive result."

As for the Oman match, he noted, "Oman is one of the top teams in the Gulf region and has a solid squad. However, our immediate focus is on Iraq, where we aim to put in a strong performance."

Al-Dhafiri concluded with determination: "We will fight to keep our qualification hopes alive. I truly believe we have what it takes to make our fans proud."