Iraq international Aymen Hussein joined Uzbek club Pakhtakor in August 2026 on a contract running until the end of the season. The move followed a significant year for the striker, who scored the decisive goal that secured Iraq’s return to the World Cup after a 40-year absence.
Pakhtakor sign Aymen Hussein until the end of 2026
Pakhtakor added Hussein to their squad during the second half of the Uzbek league season. The 30-year-old centre-forward arrived from Iraqi club Al Karma on a deal covering the remainder of the 2026 campaign.
The agreement gives Pakhtakor an experienced option at centre-forward without establishing a long-term commitment beyond the current season. Any future arrangement would require a separate decision from the club and player.
Reports describing the destination as a surprise did not provide measurable evidence of widespread supporter reaction. The confirmed development is the transfer itself and the role Pakhtakor expect Hussein to perform during the remainder of the campaign.
The goal that returned Iraq to the World Cup
Hussein played a central role in Iraq’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup. With the inter-confederation play-off against Bolivia level at 1–1, he scored the decisive second-half goal in Iraq’s 2–1 victory.
The result made Iraq the 48th and final team to qualify for the tournament. It also secured the national team’s first World Cup appearance since Mexico 1986.
Hussein later scored against Norway during the tournament, adding another international goal during a year in which he remained an important part of Iraq’s attack.
An experienced centre-forward for Pakhtakor
Hussein has represented clubs in Iraq, Qatar, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Morocco. His career includes spells with Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, Al-Shorta, CS Sfaxien, Umm Salal, Al-Khor, Al-Wakrah, Al-Jazira and Raja Casablanca.
Pakhtakor presented the striker as a player with extensive domestic and international experience. His role is primarily that of a central forward who operates inside the penalty area and provides a physical presence against opposition defenders.
The move also reunited Hussein with fellow Iraq internationals Bashar Resan and Zaid Tahseen. Their presence gives him familiar teammates as he adjusts to a new club and league in Tashkent.
What the contract confirms
Hussein’s announced contract runs until the end of the 2026 season. Claims about an automatic extension, guaranteed starting position, salary or performance targets should not be included unless Pakhtakor publishes those terms directly.
The transfer places the Iraqi striker in another national league after his World Cup campaign, while Pakhtakor gain an additional centre-forward for the remaining fixtures of their season.