Arnold says Iraq aims to beat Senegal, has learned from defeats

BAGHDAD — Iraq national team coach Graham Arnold said Thursday his side will go into Friday’s World Cup match against Senegal aiming to win, having taken lessons from recent defeats to Norway and France.

“We have nothing to lose,” Arnold told a press conference. “We will be looking to win.” He acknowledged Iraq had “made some mistakes” against Norway and France but said those games offered “valuable lessons” the team “must learn from,” and described qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in 40 years as “a historic moment.”

Arnold also said he had discussed extending his contract with the Iraq Football Association beyond the tournament; his current deal expires in about six weeks. President Younis Mahmoud said Thursday that Arnold was not leaving and that the federation was working to extend the Australian’s contract rather than seeking a replacement.

Arnold praised his players’ commitment over his eight months in charge, saying he had seen “nothing but discipline and a great spirit, both on and off the field.” The comment follows on-air criticism by Dijlah TV presenter Omar Riyadh, who linked Iraq’s results to “a lack of discipline on and off the pitch.” The association has denied those reports, calling them “baseless” and warning of legal action against those spreading them.

Arnold guided Iraq back to the World Cup for the first time since 1986 after taking charge in May 2025, including a playoff win over Bolivia. At the tournament Iraq lost its opening two Group I matches, 4-1 to Norway and 3-0 to France, leaving it bottom of the group without a point. It plays Senegal in its final group match Friday, the country’s first World Cup appearance in 40 years and only its second after Mexico 1986.