Justin Meram Named To Iraq National Team Ahead Of World Cup Qualifiers

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Salt Lake winger Justin Meram has been called into the Iraq National Team ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers next month against South Korea and Iran.

Meram, 32, will depart following Real Salt Lake’s road trip to Vancouver on August 29th. He will return prior to the away fixture against LAFC on September 12th.

Iraq’s two games against South Korea and Iran will be played at Seoul World Cup Stadium in South Korea while the second will be at Al-Gharrafa Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

“I’m excited to be back in the fold. I’m thankful for the new coach Dick Advocaat to call me back in,” Meram said. “I’ve been doing well with RSL and I’m eager to play in some important matches for Iraq.”

"I’m eager to play in some important matches for Iraq.”

🇮🇶 Congrats, @JustinMeram! 🇮🇶

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) August 24, 2021

Meram debuted on the international stage in 2014, he has four international goals in 33 caps. However, his last cap came back in 2019.

“It’s an honor for Justin and it’s a great thing that players are getting noticed. The quality of football in MLS is at a high level where players can continue to grow and still contribute to their national teams,” RSL Head Coach Freddy Juarez said. “We are very proud of Justin and happy for him. Hopefully, he can go help his country reach a World Cup.”

In Round 3 of the World Cup Qualifying for the Asian Football Confederation, Iraq is in Group A with Iran, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Syria, and Lebanon. The top two teams from each of the AFC’s two groups will qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, with the third-place teams advancing to the fourth round. Iraq’s lone World Cup appearance came in 1986 in Mexico.