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TRIBUNJABAR.ID - Persib Bandung defender Frans Putros is overjoyed following the birth of his baby boy while representing the Iraq national team at the 2026 World Cup.

Currently, Frans Putros is with the Iraq national team in the United States as they compete in the 2026 World Cup.

Amid their preparations, Putros shared the delightful news that he and his wife have just welcomed a son.

Head coach Graham Arnold marked the occasion with a surprise during a team meal with the Iraq squad.

The special moment was captured in a video posted on Monday (June 15, 2026), local time.

In the clip, Graham Arnold can be seen approaching Frans Putros with a bouquet of flowers in hand.

“Okay, boys, just briefly. We have someone special on this wonderful day,” said Graham Arnold, as his statement was met with applause from the players.

Frans Putros then stood up from his seat and walked toward Arnold.

“Congratulations on becoming a father!” said Arnold, shaking Putros’ hand warmly.

Arnold then handed over the bouquet to the delighted defender.

Putros expressed his gratitude for the thoughtful gesture from his teammates and coach.

“I just want to say, thank you everyone,” said the Denmark-Iraq heritage player.

The defender, who joined Persib Bandung in the 2025/2026 season, admitted that he wished he could have been by his wife’s side to welcome their child. However, he remains thankful for the opportunity to represent Iraq in the 2026 World Cup.

“Of course, I wish I could be with them right now. But I don’t regret a single moment being here with all of you,” said Putros.

“Someday, I’ll tell my son about this moment,” he added.

Iraq National Team at the 2026 World Cup

In the 2026 World Cup, Iraq is placed in Group I alongside France, Norway, and Senegal.

Iraq secured their place in the 2026 World Cup after winning the inter-confederation playoff final in Pathway 2.

In that decisive match, Iraq, the winner of the fifth round of the Asian (AFC) qualifiers, defeated Bolivia 2-1.

Here is Iraq’s schedule for the 2026 World Cup:

• Iraq vs Norway
Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 05:00 WIB

• France vs Iraq
Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 04:00 WIB

• Senegal vs Iraq
Saturday, June 27, 2026, 02:00 WIB

Support from Persib Teammates

In addition, Frans Putros also received heartfelt support from his Persib Bandung teammates.

Among them was Thom Haye, who had previously faced Putros when Iraq and Indonesia were grouped together in the fourth round of the 2026 Asian World Cup qualifiers.

“I kind of hated him a bit because they beat us (Indonesia),” Thom joked while laughing on Wednesday (April 1, 2026).

Nonetheless, Thom expressed his personal support for Putros, even sending him a direct message to wish him luck and encouragement.

“Yes, if we didn’t make it, we hoped he (Putros) would go to the World Cup. That would be amazing for him. I’m happy that he’s there,” said Thom.

Julio Cesar also echoed similar sentiments, saying he would be thrilled if Putros and Iraq managed to secure success in the World Cup.

“Yes, I hope they (Iraq) win because Putros will get a bonus. If they win, he owes us a dinner treat,” Julio remarked while watching the Iraq vs Bolivia match.

According to Julio Cesar, support for Putros was not limited to the players alone but was shared by the entire Persib team, who followed the match on television.

“I think Putros deserves his spot in the Iraq national team. I hope they make it to the World Cup,” he said.

(Tribunjabar.id/Rheina, Lutfi Ahmad Mauludin)