Iraq's Coach Embraces Challenge in FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw

Iraq's head coach Graham Arnold has expressed enthusiasm for the team's draw in the FIFA World Cup 2026, viewing it as an exciting opportunity to face world-class players like Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. Despite Iraq's challenging history in the tournament, Arnold encourages his squad to approach the matches with confidence and excitement. The team will compete in Group I against formidable opponents including France, Norway, and Senegal. Arnold believes that with the right mindset, they can surprise the world. The final squad features a mix of experienced and emerging talents, ready to make their mark on the global stage.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 2, 2026, 17:34 IST

Coach Describes Draw as 'Exciting'

Graham Arnold, the head coach of Iraq, has labeled the draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026 as 'exciting.' He expressed that his players are eager to compete against some of the most renowned figures in global football. During a press conference following the draw, Arnold noted that many players in his squad have yet to face elite talents like Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Sadio Mane, emphasizing the honor of playing alongside such stars.

Iraq's previous World Cup journey in 1986 ended in defeat in all three matches, and they now face a formidable challenge in Group I, where they will compete against France, Norway, and Senegal in the upcoming tournament.

"This group is thrilling for me because many players have never encountered competitors of Mbappe's, Haaland's, or Mane's caliber. Sharing the field with them is a privilege," Arnold stated.

While recognizing the difficulties ahead, Arnold maintained a positive outlook, reminding everyone that football is fundamentally a contest between 11 players on each side. He encouraged his team to approach the tournament with confidence, saying, "It's 11 human beings against 11. As long as you're not afraid to play and are excited, let's aim to surprise the world."

Iraq's Squad for FIFA World Cup 2026

The final squad for Iraq includes the following players:

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), Mohanad Ali (Dibba).