Baghdad, January 02 (QNA) - The former Iraqi football star Younis Mahmoud called on Iraq's national team players to take the advantage of holding the championship of the Arab Gulf Cup (Gulf 25) in Iraq to be an important factor in moving forward in the tournament.

This came during a meeting with the Iraqi star, accompanied by members of the executive office of the association with the players of the national team participating in the 25th edition of the Gulf Cup, which will be held in Basra, Iraq, and will continue until Jan. 19.

Younis Mahmoud, who holds the position of second vice-president of the Iraqi Football Association, stressed that the championship was a real opportunity for this generation to enjoy this support and attention from the highest levels of governmental and sports institutions.

Mahmoud hoped that 2023 would represent the return of Iraqi football and the beginning of the optimal readiness to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

(QNA)