"Group of excitement": Head Coach Graham Arnold reacts to Iraq's FIFA World Cup group
Baghdad, June 2
Iraq head coach Graham Arnold has described his team's FIFA World Cup 2026 draw as "exciting", saying his players will relish the chance to face some of the biggest names in world football.
Speaking during a press conference after the draw, Arnold said many members of his squad are yet to experience playing against elite stars such as Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Sadio Mane, calling it a privilege to share the pitch with such talent.
Iraq lost all three of their matches in their previous World Cup appearance in Mexico in 1986, and they will now face a daunting challenge in Group I clashes against France, Norway and Senegal in the 2026 edition of the World Cup.
"For me, it's a group of excitement because a lot of the players have never played against a player of the calibre of Mbappe, Haaland or Mane, so being on the park with them is a privilege," Arnold was quoted as saying by Reuters.
Despite acknowledging the challenge, the Iraq coach struck an optimistic tone, insisting football is ultimately played 11 against 11 and urging his side to approach the tournament without fear.
"But at the same time, it's 11 human beings against 11, and we go out there. As long as you're not scared to play and you're excited to play, then let's shock the world," he added.
Iraq's final squad for FIFA World Cup 2026:
Goalkeepers: Fahad Talib (Al Talaba), Jalal Hassan (Al-Zawraa), Ahmed Basil (Al-Shorta)
Defenders: Hussein Ali (Pogon Szczecin), Manaf Younis (Al-Shorta), Zaid Tahseen (Pakhtakor), Rebin Sulaka (Port), Akam Hashem (Al-Zawraa), Merchas Doski (Viktoria Plzen), Ahmed Yahya (Al-Shorta), Zaid Ismail (Al-Talaba), Frans Putros (Persib Bandung), Mustafa Saadoon (Al-Shorta)
Midfielders: Amir Al-Ammari (Cracovia), Kevin Yakob (AGF), Zidane Iqbal (Utrecht), Aimar Sher (Sarpsborg), Ibrahim Bayesh (Al-Dhafra), Ahmed Qasem (Nashville SC), Youssef Amyn (AEK Larnaca), Marko Farji (Venezia)
Forwards: Ali Jassim (Como), Ali Al-Hamadi (Ipswich Town), Ali Youssef (Apollon Limassol), Aymen Hussein (Al-Karma), and Mohanad Ali (Dibba).
— ANI
Reader Comments
I get the excitement, but honestly, this group feels like a mismatch. France alone is stacked with talent. Iraq should focus on building a solid defensive structure rather than just hoping to 'enjoy' the experience. Arnold's optimism is nice, but they need a plan.
As an Indian football fan, I just love seeing Asian teams get these chances. Iraq might not win, but playing against Mbappe and Haaland will be a huge learning experience for their young squad. Arnold's positivity is exactly what they need to keep morale high.
It's refreshing to see a coach focus on the joy of the game rather than just the pressure. Arnold's "11 against 11" comment shows he's keeping it simple and grounded. Iraq won't shock the world, but they can at least make it competitive and gain respect.
I respect the underdog spirit, but this is a bit too much 'excitement' for me. France and Norway will run circles around them. Hope Arnold's team at least gives a decent fight and doesn't get embarrassed. But you never know—football is unpredictable! ⚽🔥
I think Arnold's approach is smart mentally. If he'd said 'we're doomed', players would lose confidence. Instead, he's framing it as an adventure. Iraq has some decent players like Ali Al-Hamadi playing in Europe. A shock result is unlikely, but stranger things have happened.
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