Aspetar Named Iraq’s Official Medical Partner Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™
Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital has announced that the Iraq national football team has joined its global network of partners, which includes leading national teams, federations, and clubs across several continents. The partnership reflects growing international confidence in Aspetar’s medical expertise.
Under an agreement signed with the Iraq Football Association (IFA), Aspetar will serve as the official medical partner of the national team throughout its preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026, as well as during the tournament itself, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July.
The “Lions of Mesopotamia” will receive comprehensive medical support, including treatment, rehabilitation, and performance care, along with continuous medical monitoring during their pre-tournament training camp in Spain and throughout the competition. A dedicated medical delegation of seven Aspetar specialists—including two physicians, physiotherapists, and massage therapists—will accompany the team to ensure optimal player fitness and readiness.
This collaboration builds on Aspetar’s support for Iraq during the World Cup qualifying campaign, where specialized medical teams accompanied the squad during matches and training camps, contributing to player preparedness and the team’s successful qualification. Several Iraqi players have also previously benefited from Aspetar’s advanced treatment and rehabilitation services.
Khalid Ali Al Mawlawi, Acting Director General of Aspetar, said: “This partnership reflects Aspetar’s ongoing commitment to supporting both regional and international sport. We are proud of the trust placed in us by the Iraq Football Association. Our experience across multiple FIFA World Cups will add real value to the team, and we look forward to supporting the players in achieving a strong and successful campaign.”
For his part, Iraq Football Association President Younis Mahmoud said: “Aspetar has been a key partner throughout our qualification journey and is now an integral part of our World Cup preparations. We are confident that its medical expertise will provide vital support to the team and help present Iraqi football in the best possible light on the global stage.”
Aspetar has an established track record in international sports medicine, having supported several national teams at previous FIFA World Cups, including Algeria and Côte d’Ivoire, in addition to its ongoing role with the Qatar national team. The hospital also served as the official medical provider for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, widely recognized by FIFA as delivering one of the most advanced and comprehensive medical services in the tournament’s history.
Background Information
Aspetar
Aspetar is a world leading specialised orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital, and the first of its kind in the Middle East. Since 2007, with a world expert team, the hospital has provided top-level comprehensive medical treatment to all athletes in a state-of-the-art facility that sets new standards internationally.
In 2009, Aspetar was accredited as a “FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence”. In 2013, Aspetar was adopted as a reference collaborator centre by the Gulf Countries Council (GCC) Health Ministers Council and “IOC Research Centre for Prevention of Injury and Protection of Athlete Health” in 2014.
In 2015, Aspetar has been recognised as the “IHF Reference Centre for Athlete and Referee Health”. In 2017, Aspetar was awarded World Health Organization’s Patient Safety Friendly Hospital-Level 3 designation.
In 2018, Aspetar – Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital was officially awarded Diamond Level accreditation status by Accreditation Canada. This is the highest level of accreditation award possible under the program and awarded to highly committed and quality-oriented organizations that monitor outcomes, use evidence and best practice to improve services. Aspetar is now the first hospital in the State of Qatar to be awarded this coveted Diamond Level Status. Aspetar is a member–organisation of Aspire Zone Foundation, Qatar’s innovative sports and healthy lifestyle destination.