'It’s a chance to put Iraq on a global stage not associated with war and conflict - the people are fanatical about football' Former Manchester United assistant aiming for World Cup glory

AI Briefing

• – Iraq's national football team is on the cusp of qualifying for the World Cup, with former Manchester United assistant Rene Meulensteen at the helm.
• – The team's success is a rare moment of positivity in a country still recovering from years of conflict.
• – Meulensteen's appointment has been seen as a chance to put Iraq on a global stage beyond its troubled past.