Emerging Western United full-back Charbel Shamoon has earned his first call-up to the senior Iraq national team ahead of the World Cup qualifying matches against Kuwait and Palestine later this month.
The 21-year-old appears poised to dedicate his international career to Iraq, having previously donned the Under-20 jersey for the nation. Although Shamoon played for Australia’s Under-23s last November, he will formalise his international allegiance to Iraq if he makes his debut against either Kuwait or Palestine.
With this selection for Iraq’s squad in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, Shamoon has become the inaugural player from Western United’s academy to receive a senior international call-up.
The Iraq team is set to face Kuwait on the morning of Friday, March 21 (AEDT) and then take on Palestine on the morning of Wednesday, March 26 (AEDT) in their quest for a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
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Mal Impiombato, General Manager of Football at Western United, has commended Shamoon for his selection in the national squad as the young defender aims to bolster Iraq’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
“This is a momentous milestone for Charbel, and everyone at Western United is immensely proud of him for achieving this recognition,” said Impiombato.
“Charbel has demonstrated a remarkable desire to develop and embrace the principles of our football club, and he truly deserves this honour.
“This also serves as a significant acknowledgement of the dedicated work put in by all our staff within the Academy and the first team, and it is a well-deserved recognition for everyone who has played a part in Charbel’s journey.”
“We eagerly anticipate watching Charbel on the global stage and wish him and the Iraqi national team all the best in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.”
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