Iraq head coach Graham Arnold has expressed immense delight after guiding the Lions of Mesopotamia to qualification for the 2026 World Cup, promising to surprise the world at the tournament.
Iraq secured their spot following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Bolivia in the intercontinental play-off final at the Monterrey Stadium in Mexico.
The qualification marks Iraq’s second World Cup appearance in their history and their first in 40 years, having last participated in the 1986 tournament in Mexico.
Arnold, the Australian manager, said after the match: “Before thinking about facing France, I must mention that I faced them previously with the Australian national team at the 2022 World Cup, and we lost 4-1, but we used that experience as motivation to beat Tunisia and Denmark and qualify for the round of 16.”
“As the Iraqi national team, we have nothing to lose. We must go into the World Cup with a winning mentality; that is the only way to achieve success.”
Alongside France, Senegal and Norway. Arnold acknowledged the challenge of facing players like Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland but insisted his side would take to the pitch aiming to win. “Being on the same pitch as players like Mbappé and Haaland is a great honour for our players, and we will respect their abilities, but we will take to the pitch to try and win and surprise the world,” he said.
“Qualifying for the World Cup is a great privilege for all the players, who will enjoy playing against some of the biggest names in world football. We will try to give our best to delight our fans and showcase Iraqi football on the world stage.”
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