Sadr demands sweeping shake-up of national team after World Cup exit

BAGHDAD — Shiite National Movement leader Muqtada al-Sadr on Saturday called for immediate and decisive changes to the management and coaching of Iraq’s national football team, saying its performance at the World Cup and in qualifying should not go unaddressed.

In a statement, Sadr said he opposed “remaining silent about the embarrassing performance” of the team at the World Cup and in its qualifiers.

“I believe it is appropriate to make immediate and decisive changes away from sectarianism, ethnicity and partisanship,” he said.

Sadr said the changes should not be limited to players but should include “everyone involved in managing the national team, its coaching, and related matters,” calling for professional and precise management.

He warned that without such reforms Iraq would have no place in regional, continental and international competitions, blaming what he called “the winds of corruption, politicization, sectarianism and hidden conflicts” affecting the team.

Iraq exited the World Cup without a point after finishing bottom of Group I with three defeats. The team opened with a 4-1 loss to Norway, then lost 3-0 to France before a 5-0 defeat to Senegal in its final group match. Iraq scored one goal and conceded 12 across the three games, ending with a goal difference of minus-11.

Before the Senegal match, Iraq coach Graham Arnold said he had discussed extending his contract with the Iraq Football Association beyond the tournament. His current deal expires in about six weeks.

Football Association 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 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. This year’s tournament is the country’s first World Cup appearance in 40 years and only its second, after Mexico 1986.