VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC defender Ali Adnan has been called up to the Iraq men’s national team for a pair of important 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying home matches this November.
The Lions of Mesopotamia host Iran and Bahrain in Group C action on November 14 and 19, respectively. Iraq and Bahrain are tied atop the group table with seven points, while Iran is trailing by just a point. Hong Kong and Cambodia round out the group with a point apiece.
The eight group winners and the four best group runners-up advance to the third round of FIFA World Cup qualification as well as qualify for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
Adnan featured prominently in his last call-up with his national team. He came off the bench to slot in a penalty kick goal in the 79th minute, sealing a 2-0 home victory over Hong Kong on October 10. The left back then made the start five days later in their visit to Cambodia, assisting on the second goal in the 4-0 win.
The native of Baghdad had a goal and was tied for team-high with five assists in 28 starts and appearances with Whitecaps FC in 2019, his first season in MLS.
