Head coach Graham Arnold expressed confidence in Iraq’s football team, aiming to surprise the world after securing a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a 2-1 victory over Bolivia. This qualification is a significant achievement for Iraq, marking their second appearance at the World Cup and the first since 1986. In the upcoming World Cup, Iraq is placed in a challenging Group I, set to compete against France, Senegal, and Norway in the group stage.
Reflecting on the draw, Arnold recalled his past encounter with France during the 2022 FIFA World Cup while coaching Australia. Despite a previous loss to France, Arnold sees it as motivation, emphasizing the importance of a winning mentality for Iraq in the upcoming tournament. He highlighted the honor of facing top players like Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, expressing the team’s determination to strive for victory and make an impact on the global stage.
Arnold emphasized that Iraq will approach the World Cup without pressure, focusing on giving their best performance to delight fans and showcase Iraqi football. The team’s journey in the FIFA World Cup 2026 will kick off on June 16 against Norway, followed by a match against France on June 22, and concluding the group stage against Senegal on June 26.
