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The incredible story of Iraq’s Aymen Hussein Cover image: World Cup 2026: The incredible story of Iraq’s Aymen Hussein © FRANCE 24

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Issued on: 26/06/2026 - 16:24

He has become the face of Iraqi football. Yet, his story goes far beyond sport. Aymen Hussein grew up in an Iraq scarred by war and terrorism. At 12 years old, he lost his father, killed by al Qaeda. Six years later, his brother was captured by the Islamic State group. Now, he is carrying the hopes of millions of Iraqi football fans on his shoulders as his country prepares to take on Senegal in their final group game on Friday, June 26.