Graham Arnold, head coach of the Iraq national football team, at a press conference
Ahead of first leg
Arnold says Iraq ‘ready and united’ for World Cup playoff against UAE
BASRA — Iraq national football team head coach Graham Arnold said Wednesday his players are fully prepared to face the United Arab Emirates in the Asian playoff for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, praising their progress and mindset while calling for strong backing from fans and media.
“The players are now at a good level, and some people don’t realize the position we’ve reached, especially in Iraq, where the national team has reached the playoffs for the first time,” Arnold said at a pre-match press conference. “The journey continues, and our goal is to reach the World Cup. The players need support from both the fans and the media. After the complicated experience in Saudi Arabia, the UAE understands the situation because they’ve gone through something similar, but our journey continues and we are ready for it.”
Arnold said the squad is in strong physical and mental condition. “Everything starts with the word pressure, and we are getting rid of it. The players are mentally ready, and I’m proud of them since taking charge of the team,” he said. “So far, we’ve played six matches, won four, drawn one, and lost one.”
He praised the team’s defensive discipline and technical progress, adding, “The players were outstanding defensively, their development is excellent, and technically they are all great. We have the ability to improve each of them individually.”
Midfielder Amir Al-Ammari said the players are united and focused. “When Iraq went to Saudi Arabia, we didn’t lose any points, so I hope Iraqi fans come to support the team,” he said. “I don’t like the word pressure, and I think all the players are mentally ready. We don’t care about negative talk in the media because we are one family and not affected by what is said. We have 24 players ready like brothers.”
“If we win, the media will write positive things about us,” Al-Ammari added. “We are mentally ready and fully focused. Everyone is prepared. We must win tomorrow and take the three points to Basra.”
The Asian Football Confederation scheduled Iraq’s playoff matches against the UAE for November 13 and 18. The first leg will be played at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, followed by the return leg at Basra International Stadium.
Earlier this month, Arnold told the Iraqi News Agency that “our first goal is to secure Iraq’s qualification to the World Cup, which is the most important achievement for us,” calling the playoff “a historic opportunity that must be seized with full strength.” He said the team’s focus was on “players who are fully fit and ready to compete” and urged fans to “keep believing in us” as Iraq continues its campaign to reach the 2026 World Cup.
Iraq advanced to the playoff round after a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia on October 14 in Jeddah, which ended its chances of direct qualification. Following that result, Iraq Football Association President Adnan Darjal said, “We must apologize to our loyal fans who supported us in the stadium and through television screens. The opportunity is still there, and we must fight for it fiercely.”
