Graham Arnold Eyes World Cup Shock as Iraq Return After 40-Year Absence

Posted : 29 May 2026

Graham Arnold believes Iraq national football team can cause a major upset at the 2026 World Cup after what he described as one of the most challenging qualification campaigns in international football. The veteran Australian coach says the team’s journey to North America has been marked by extreme pressure, disruption and resilience.

Arnold, who took charge of Iraq in May last year, said nearly every match during qualification felt like a “life or death” battle as the team fought to reach the tournament for the first time since 1986. He explained that off-field challenges, including regional instability and travel disruptions, added further strain to an already demanding campaign.

Iraq’s path to qualification included a tense Asian play-off against the United Arab Emirates, which they won thanks to a dramatic late penalty. That victory sent them into an intercontinental play-off in Mexico, completing a 21-match qualification process filled with setbacks and pressure.

Arnold revealed that players and staff faced major logistical difficulties during the campaign, including long overland travel routes after airspace closures in the region. At one stage, the squad endured a multi-day journey through Jordan before finally reaching their destination.

Despite the challenges, Iraq secured qualification with a 2-1 victory over Bolivia in Monterrey, booking their place at the World Cup after nearly four decades away from the tournament. Arnold said the achievement reflected the mental strength of his players under immense national expectation.

He believes a key part of his role has been changing the team’s mindset, encouraging players to move away from negativity and instead use adversity as motivation. Arnold also pointed to Iraq’s deep football culture, noting the country’s passion for the sport despite years of hardship.

Iraq, who won the AFC Asian Cup in 2007, are placed in a difficult World Cup group alongside France national football team, Senegal national football team and Norway national football team. They open their campaign against Norway in Boston on June 16.

Arnold, who previously led Australia national football team to the last 16 of the 2022 World Cup, said the pressure of coaching Iraq feels different but remains intense due to national expectations and long-term ambitions.

Although Iraq are among the lowest-ranked teams in the tournament, Arnold insists they will not lack belief. He says football is decided on the pitch, and if his players win their individual battles, they are capable of producing one of the tournament’s biggest shocks.

Graham Arnold Eyes World Cup Shock as Iraq Return After 40-Year Absence

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