Arnold says Iraq has the quality to win the Gulf Cup ahead of Oman opener

JEDDAH — Graham Arnold said Iraq has the players to win the Gulf Cup as it prepares to open against Oman, with a reshaped squad featuring nine new players and 17 from the domestic league.

“We have the skills needed to win, and this is an important tournament for Iraqi football to continue developing,” he told a news conference on Tuesday. “Our ambition is to win the title.” Asked about past results, he said: “We cannot look into the past, and we have to think about the current tournament. There are a number of changes in the coaching staff and among the players, so we are in a new phase, and we have to focus on the future.”

Ali al-Hamadi has been ruled out injured and replaced, and several others have injury concerns. “We have a number of injured players, but we also have new players who are ready for this challenge,” Arnold said.

“We are ready for the opening match against the Omani national team, and we seek to deliver a level worthy of the Iraqi national team,” said captain Aymen Hussein. “The Iraqi fans will be the biggest supporters of the national team in its Gulf Cup 27 campaign, and we hope to live up to their expectations.” Midfielder Zidane Iqbal said the tournament would be good preparation for the Asian Cup, adding: “We have a strong squad, and the substitutes are ready as well.”

Iraq trained at King Abdulaziz Sports City on Monday with most of its overseas-based players, and Youssef al-Nasrawi was expected to join on Tuesday. Ahmed al-Mousawi of the Iraqi Football Association’s executive office said the tournament could be among the strongest editions. It runs in Jeddah until Oct. 6.

Iraq beat Oman 3-2 after extra time in the 2023 final in Basra, Manaf Younis scoring in the 120th minute for the country’s fourth title. Iraq also won in 1979, beating Kuwait 3-1 at home in a tournament where it won every match, in 1984 on penalties against Qatar, and in 1988. It made its debut in 1976, losing a title playoff to Kuwait 4-2.