Ayman Hussein ends 40-year World Cup scoring drought for 'Lions of Mesopotamia'

Ayman Hussein has ended a 40-year wait for Iraqi football at the World Cup, after scoring his country's goal against Norway in the two sides' 2026 World Cup clash.

The 'Lions of Mesopotamia' striker became the scorer of only the second goal in Iraq's World Cup history, after the historic goal scored by the late Ahmed Radhi against Belgium at the 1986 tournament in Mexico.

Ayman Hussein's goal returned Iraq to the World Cup scoring record books after a long absence, as the player added a new chapter to his national team's history at the global tournament.