PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ali Jasim Elaibi Al-Tameemi |
| Date of Birth | 20 January 2004 (Age: 22) |
| Place of Birth | Rusafa, Baghdad, Iraq |
| Nationality | Iraqi |
| Height | 1.78 m / 5 ft 10 in |
| Weight | 72–74 kg |
| Position | Left Winger / Attacking Midfielder / Right Winger |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Current Club | Zakho SC |
| Previous Clubs | Al-Naft, Al-Karkh, Al-Shorta, Al-Kahrabaa, Antalyaspor, Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (loan), Como, Almere City (loan), Al-Najma (loan) |
| International Caps | 38 |
| International Goals | 2 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Market Value | €515K |
The Frozen Moment
The Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. June 16, 2026. Iraq had returned to the World Cup for the first time in 40 years, and the weight of a nation rested on the shoulders of a 22-year-old from Baghdad. Ali Jasim, one of Asian football’s brightest emerging talents, was named in the starting lineup against Norway—his World Cup debut.
The match ended in a 4-1 defeat, and Jasim was substituted after 72 minutes. Worse, he suffered a neck injury after a heavy collision with a Norwegian player, forcing him to receive medical treatment on the pitch. For a moment, Iraq’s creative heartbeat was in doubt—the star playmaker who had been described as a “10 disguised as a winger” and the symbol of a new generation of Iraqi footballers.
But the injury was not serious. Within days, doctors confirmed Jasim’s condition was not concerning, and he was back in training, ready for the crucial clash against France. He started Iraq’s final group match against Senegal on June 26, playing 57 minutes. Iraq’s World Cup campaign ended with three defeats, but Jasim had arrived on the global stage. For the boy who had made his professional debut at just 14 years old, the World Cup was another milestone in a career already defined by precocious achievement.
Origins
Ali Jasim was born on 20 January 2004 in Rusafa, Baghdad, Iraq. He began his football journey in the youth ranks of Al-Naft SC before making a stunning professional debut.
At just 14 years old, Jasim made his Iraqi Premier League debut for Al-Karkh against Al-Zawraa on 3 November 2018. He scored his first senior goal for the club in the last round of the 2018-19 Iraqi Premier League against Amanat Baghdad on 24 July 2019. His precocious talent was immediately apparent—a teenager competing against grown men and already making an impact.
Over the next few years, Jasim moved through several Iraqi clubs, including Al-Shorta (where he played under Serbian coach Aleksandar Ilić) and Al-Kahrabaa. At Al-Kahrabaa, under coach Luay Salah, he scored four league goals in the 2021-22 season and a further six in 2022-23, helping the club finish fifth—the joint-highest league finish in their history—and qualify for the AFC Cup. He also helped Al-Kahrabaa reach the Iraq FA Cup final in 2022.
His performances for Iraq’s U20 team attracted international attention. He was close to signing for Belgian club KAA Gent and generated interest from Turkish clubs Trabzonspor and Antalyaspor, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano. On 20 July 2023, Jasim officially signed a three-year contract with Antalyaspor, but his time in Turkey was brief.
The European Forge
Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (Loan, 2023-2024):
On 2 August 2023, following his move to Antalyaspor, Jasim was loaned to Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (Air Force Club). His time at the Baghdad giants was highly productive. He made 31 league appearances and scored 9 goals, establishing himself as one of Iraq’s most promising attackers. He also featured in the AFC Champions League, making 5 appearances and scoring 4 goals—a ratio of 0.8 goals per match. His performances for Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya made him a fan favourite and a key figure in the club’s ambitions.
Como 1907 (2024-2026):
On 24 July 2024, Jasim signed for Italian Serie A club Como 1907 on a free transfer. The move was a significant step in his career, bringing him to one of Europe’s top leagues. However, opportunities under manager Cesc Fàbregas were extremely limited—he played just 9 minutes of first-team football. With the club in the relegation zone, the coach prioritised more experienced players, and the 20-year-old struggled to break into the team.
Almere City (Loan, 2025):
To gain playing time, Jasim was loaned to Dutch Eredivisie side Almere City in January 2025. He scored his first goal for the club, but his overall impact was limited—he made only 5 appearances in the Netherlands, recording 1 goal. A brief loan spell in his homeland followed at Al Najma, where he made 16 appearances and scored 1 goal in the 2025-26 Pro League.
Zakho SC (2026-Present):
On 18 August 2026, following the World Cup, Jasim signed for Zakho SC in the Iraq Stars League, with his contract running until 30 June 2027. The move marked a return to Iraqi football after a frustrating spell in Europe where he had failed to establish himself. According to Transfermarkt, if he returns to Europe, he has a clause that he must compensate Antalyaspor.
International Career
Youth Career:
Jasim represented Iraq at every youth level. He played for the U17s (4 caps), U20s (10 caps, 2 goals), and U23s, where he was prolific—10 caps and 8 goals. His standout moment at youth level came at the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup, where he finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 4 goals in 6 appearances, earning the Golden Boot.
Senior Debut & Rise:
Jasim made his senior debut for Iraq in 2023 and has since earned 38 caps, scoring 2 international goals. He was part of the Iraq squad that competed in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, making 4 appearances. His international career also includes appearances at the 2024 Gulf Cup of Nations and the Arab Cup. He represented Iraq at the 2024 Paris Olympics, playing 3 matches and scoring 1 goal.
2026 World Cup Campaign:
On 19 May 2026, Jasim was named in Graham Arnold’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. FIFA described him as a “creative winger” and one of the “headliners” of the squad alongside Amir Al Ammari and Aymen Hussein. The 2026 tournament was his first World Cup appearance.
Jasim started both of Iraq’s group-stage matches: against Norway on 16 June 2026 (72 minutes, 0 shots, 2 crosses, 1 tackle won) and against Senegal on 26 June 2026 (57 minutes, 4 shots, 1 shot on target, 2 crosses). Across his 129 minutes of World Cup football, he recorded no goals or assists but demonstrated his creative intent with 4 shots (1 on target), 4 crosses, and 1 tackle won. He was not cautioned during the tournament.
International Record:
Jasim has earned 38 caps for Iraq and scored 2 international goals. He has represented Iraq at the AFC Asian Cup, the Olympics, the Gulf Cup, the Arab Cup, and the 2026 World Cup.
The Anatomy of His Game
Jasim is a right-footed winger who plays primarily on the left flank, cutting inside onto his stronger foot. He is described as a “10 disguised as a winger”—a creative playmaker who operates from wide areas. He can also play as a right winger or attacking midfielder.
In Possession:
Jasim is a technically gifted player with excellent dribbling and close control. He carries the ball with it glued to his feet and is effective in tight spaces. He is a showman—he likes to nutmeg opponents and is a specialist at set-pieces, including penalties and corners. His creativity and vision make him Iraq’s most dangerous player in the final third. However, he has been criticised for occasionally over-dribbling and holding onto the ball too long.
Out of Possession:
Jasim’s work rate and defensive contributions are areas for development. His primary value lies in his attacking contributions rather than his pressing or tracking back.
Psychological Edge:
Jasim’s career is defined by his precocious talent and ambition. He made his professional debut at 14 and has consistently been one of the youngest players in every squad he has joined. His move to Europe at 20 demonstrated his desire to challenge himself at the highest level, even if the move did not go as planned. His selection for the 2026 World Cup at just 22 confirms his standing as one of Iraq’s most important players.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: 2026 World Cup Snapshot
| Competition | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Shots | Shots on Target | Crosses | Tackles Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 2 | 2 | 129 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 1 |
TABLE B: 2026 World Cup Match Log
| Date | Opponent | Start | Minutes | Shots | SoT | Crosses | Tackles Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 June | Norway | Y | 72 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| 26 June | Senegal | Y | 57 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
TABLE C: Career (League Only)
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al-Karkh | 2018-2020 | — | 1 |
| Al-Shorta | 2020-2021 | 9 | 0 |
| Al-Kahrabaa | 2021-2023 | — | 10 |
| Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (loan) | 2023-2024 | 31 | 9 |
| Como | 2024-2026 | 2 | 0 |
| Almere City (loan) | 2025 | 5 | 1 |
| Al-Najma (loan) | 2025-2026 | 16 | 1 |
| Zakho SC | 2026-Present | — | — |
| TOTAL | — | 63 | 22 |
TABLE D: International Record
| Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Iraq Senior Career | 38 | 2 |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 2 | 0 |
| AFC Asian Cup 2023 | 4 | 0 |
| 2024 Olympics | 3 | 1 |
| Iraq U23 | 10 | 8 |
| Iraq U20 | 10 | 2 |
| Iraq U17 | 4 | 0 |
TABLE E: Career Achievements
| Honour | Details |
|---|---|
| AFC U-23 Asian Cup Top Scorer | 2024 |
| Iraq Cup Finalist | 2022 (Al-Kahrabaa) |
| FIFA World Cup Participant | 2026 |
| Olympic Games Participant | 2024 Paris |
| AFC Asian Cup Participant | 2023 |
What these figures reveal is a player who has been consistently prolific at youth level—8 goals in 10 caps for Iraq U23—and has shown flashes of his quality in senior football. His 31 appearances and 9 goals for Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya demonstrate his ability at the domestic level. However, his time in Europe has been frustrating—just 2 Serie A appearances and 5 Eredivisie appearances. His 38 caps at age 22 reflect his importance to the Iraqi national team, and his 129 minutes at the 2026 World Cup, including two starts, indicate the faith placed in him by the coaching staff.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Jasim is defined by his journey from Baghdad’s streets to the World Cup. He made his professional debut at 14—a testament to his precocious talent and the faith placed in him by coaches at Al-Karkh. His performances for Iraq’s youth teams, particularly his Golden Boot-winning campaign at the AFC U-23 Asian Cup, established him as one of Asian football’s brightest prospects.
His move to Como in 2024 was a bold step, but the lack of opportunities under Cesc Fàbregas was a disappointment. Spanish newspaper MARCA noted that the move to Serie A came too soon and that Jasim “has not finished exploding at the elite level.” His loan spells in the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia did not provide the platform he needed.
His return to Iraq with Zakho SC in August 2026 marked a new chapter. His contract includes a clause that could allow him to return to Europe if he compensates Antalyaspor—a reflection of his ambition to continue challenging himself at higher levels.
The Verdict from the Camp
MARCA (Spain):
“Ali Jasim is one of the greatest emerging talents in Asian football and Iraq’s great hope to surprise in the World Cup. With outstanding technical quality, vision, and an innate ability to unbalance in the final metres, the young attacker has become the symbol of a new generation of Iraqi footballers.”
“Right-footed. He is a ’10’ disguised as a winger. He can play across the entire front line, although he is most comfortable on the left, cutting inside, with freedom to drift into the middle to thread a pass or try a shot. He carries the ball glued to his foot and, although he handles himself well in tight spaces, on occasion he over-dribbles. He likes nutmegs. Set-piece specialist: he takes penalties, corners…”
Graham Arnold, Iraq Head Coach:
Arnold selected Jasim for the 2026 World Cup squad, naming him among the “creative winger” and “headliners” of the squad alongside Amir Al Ammari and Aymen Hussein.
Transfermarkt:
If Jasim returns to Europe, he has a clause that he must compensate Antalyaspor.
Where Next?
Ali Jasim is 22 years old and has returned to Iraqi football with Zakho SC. His World Cup experience, though brief, was an important milestone in his development. He has expressed ambition to return to Europe, and his contract includes a clause that could facilitate a move if he compensates Antalyaspor. His performances at the World Cup and for Iraq in the coming years will determine whether he gets another opportunity on the continent.
For Iraq, Jasim represents the future of the national team attack. With 38 caps and two World Cup starts at just 22, he is already a key figure. His creativity, dribbling, and set-piece quality make him a valuable asset for Graham Arnold’s squad.
From Baghdad’s streets to the World Cup, from Al-Karkh to Como, and from the Italian bench to the global stage, Ali Jasim’s journey is a story of precocious talent, European ambition, and the determination to write his own chapter in Iraqi football history. The boy who made his debut at 14 is now a World Cup player—and his story is far from over.
