French club Auxerre tracking Iraq striker Aymen Hussein ahead of 2026 World Cup

PARIS, France — PARIS — French Ligue 1 side Auxerre has set its sights on Iraq international Aymen Hussein, with the club's management weighing a potential move after the 2026 World Cup, French football newspaper France Football reported from Paris. The 26-year-old forward is under close observation by Auxerre's scouting team, who plan to watch him during Iraq's group-stage fixture against France at the World Cup. The club's technical staff will use that performance as a basis to decide whether to table a transfer offer, according to the report. Auxerre has taken particular note of Hussein's finishing, physical presence and movement inside the penalty area, France Football said. A headed goal for Iraq against Norway further heightened the French club's interest, and its directors are preparing to open preliminary talks with the player and his representatives once the tournament concludes. Hussein has been a regular scorer for the national team and is regarded as one of Iraq's most effective players in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.