Foreign coaches in the Iraqi league are making headlines ahead of the 2025-2026 season. Nine Iraqi clubs have signed coaches from abroad in an unprecedented move.
As the new season approaches, teams have shifted their strategies. Several clubs chose international coaching experience over local options. The goal is simple: better performance and tougher competition.
Newroz Club entered the transfer market aggressively. They first signed Serbian coach Dalibor Savic, then added Swedish coach Yassin Aras. Meanwhile, Al-Talaba club appointed Qatari coach Talal Al-Balooshi.
In a similar move, Diyala brought in Tunisian coach Yamen Zelfani. Najaf selected Egyptian coach Mohamed Azeema for the job. Naft Maysan handed the reins to Jordanian coach Abdullah Abu Zama.
Another Egyptian, Moamen Soliman, took over coaching duties at Al-Shorta. Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya opted for Omani coach Rasheed Jaber. Finally, Al-Karkh chose Syrian coach Ayman Al-Hakim to lead their squad.
At the same time, Al-Karkh revealed the full technical staff supporting Al-Hakim. Ali Raouf was named assistant coach, and Hussein Ali Awad became the goalkeeper coach. The contracts were signed at the club office in the presence of the full team.
Foreign coaches in the Iraqi league are not new to Iraqi football. Ayman Al-Hakim, for example, previously coached Duhok. Last season, he led Al-Qasim and delivered impressive results. He even won “Coach of the Round” awards multiple times.
Clearly, foreign coaches in the Iraqi league are changing the game. Nine teams are counting on them for success. Clubs hope this bold move pays off during the upcoming season.
With these signings, the league is set for an exciting shift. Competition will intensify, tactics will evolve, and attention will turn to the benches—where decisive strategies are born.
