One big plus for Ali is that he has already caught the eye of new Sweden boss, Graham Potter, who included the 27-year-old as one as only five Sweden-based players in his squad for March's play-offs, where the Swedes beat Ukraine and then saw off Poland in dramatic fashion to reach the finals.
Ali was an unused substitute in both matches, which came over two years on from his only senior cap so far - a 2-1 friendly win over Estonia - but his chances of going to the tournament have increased since the arrival of the Englishman, who Ali explained made him feel important from their first meeting.
Nonetheless, when he spoke to Flashscore after Malmo's 1-0 away win over AIK on Monday 27th, his humility shone through, stressing that nothing is guaranteed. Born in the Stockholm district of Spanga-Tensta to Somali parents, the former Sweden futsal international spoke with passion about the moment Blagult qualified.
You were part of the squad last month for two incredible games. How did it feel to be part of that, even if you didn’t get on the pitch?
"It was one of the best, if not the best, feelings I’ve ever had, and it’s a privilege that not everyone gets. I’m just humble enough to experience that and, of course, I just hope if the chance comes again I will be ready."
You’re surely going to be using the matches in the next few weeks to make sure you’re in the squad for the World Cup?
For sure! I just want to keep improving and hopefully get a lot of points as well so when that time comes I’m one of the players he (Potter) has in his head.
During the last camp the word was that Potter has brought a lot of new energy to the squad. What can you say about his methods and how he is with you personally?
"I would say it’s hard because when I was there we had two games in a week, and it’s not like we are talking every time, but when I first came, the moments when we did have talks he was very down-to-earth - you can talk with him about everything, you feel relaxed around him. It was a great feeling for me as well because I even had a meeting with him before I went to the national team, so even that - him having a meeting with me - feels like ‘wow’, feels like I’m important in that way. So, then when I came to the camp, I’d already met him before, so it made it so much easier for me as well."
That must have meant a lot and given you plenty of confidence?
"It was - I would say - vital, to be honest. It felt like when I had that meeting I had my questions answered, and he asked me about certain things. So it felt like the first bridge was already crossed. And then when I do come to the camp I don’t feel like, ‘where do I stand?’, you know? So it was great in that sense."
There’s still a long way to go, but you really do have the chance to go to the World Cup. Did you ever think you’d be in this position?
"Before I would have said I know what qualities I have and I feel like I’ve done it in the Europa League games and generally in Allsvenskan. I know what I can do, but I’m still humble enough where I play in Allsvenskan and I know what kind of players they choose for the national team. So, I have to remember I’m not certain to be one of the World Cup players, but if the chance comes, I’m ready."
Be honest, have you been looking at the defensive weaknesses of Sweden's Group F opponents Japan, Netherlands and Tunisia to see where you can hurt them?
"No, no, no! (Laughs) Still a long time until then! Hopefully if I do get called up then I’ll be sure to watch them!"