Nasser: Kuwait will fight to make the World Cup

Currently enjoying a four-match unbeaten run in World Cup 26 qualifying, captain Yousef Nasser tells FIFA of Kuwait’s desire to reach a second global showpiece.

• Kuwait are unbeaten in the third round of AFC qualifying
• Captain Yousef Nasser scored a late goal to earn them a point against Jordan
• He discusses that start and the ‘noticeable’ impact of new coach Juan Pizzi

Despite a slow start in the second round of AFC qualification for the FIFA World Cup 26™, Kuwait rallied to take four points from six off India and Afghanistan respectively in their final two matches to keep their hopes of reaching a second global finals alive.

The Blue Wave have continued that form in the decisive third round as a last-gasp penalty by Yousef Nasser earned them a draw in Jordan, before a goalless affair with Iraq continued their unbeaten start to the round.

Free-scoring forward Nasser spoke to FIFA about that run of form, the impact of new head coach Juan Antonio Pizzi, and his dream of taking part in the sport’s biggest party.

FIFA: Kuwait have opened the third round of World Cup qualifying with two draws. Are you happy with your side’s start?

Yousef Nasser: The match against Jordan was special. They’re Asian Cup runners-up and you could say the current team is the best Jordan’s ever had. We went into the match against Iraq thinking we could win and with their red card, we had every chance, but it wasn’t to be. What was most important is that we delivered a really positive performance.

Given the increased number of teams heading to the World Cup, can Kuwait qualify for the finals?

Certainly, what we all want is to qualify for the World Cup. We have a good chance in these qualifiers to do just that. The increased number of Asian teams in the tournament is a positive thing for us, and we are going to fight to qualify.

You’re away to Oman and Palestine next up. What do you think about those two sides?

They’re both strong teams and we’ll be looking to play well against them. In this group, there are no easy matches. We’ll approach each game focused on winning the three points. That’s the most important thing for us.

You’re one of your nation’s greatest players. How do you use that vast experience to support the team?

I have a vital role supporting the team in the upcoming matches and will use all the experience I’ve gained over the years in the Kuwait jersey. God willing, I will help the team as best I can.

After an absence from the national side, you returned to score against Jordan recently. How did that goal feel?

I thank God for scoring the goal. It felt fantastic, especially since it was right at the end. God willing, I can help the team by creating more chances and scoring more goals in these upcoming games.

What is your opinion of coach Juan Antonio Pizzi and how do you feel the team has performed since he took over?

Coach Pizzi is a renowned figure in football and he has a remarkable track record with many teams. There’s been a noticeable improvement in our level over the last two matches and we hope to deliver strong performances in the games we’ve got coming up too.

At club level, you’ve won eight of the last ten league titles with Kuwait SC. What is the secret behind that success?

It isn’t just luck – it’s the result of many years of teamwork between the board, the technical staff and the players. We’re aiming to go as far as possible in the AFC Champions League 2.

Tell us about your personal ambitions for the future.

I want to qualify for the World Cup with the national team. That’s the most important goal for me, alongside winning a title with Kuwait.