Iraq stands one match away from reaching the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1986, with coach Graham Arnold aiming to guide the Lions of Mesopotamia back to football’s biggest stage.
The road to this moment has been long and demanding. When Iraq faces either Bolivia or Suriname in Monterrey, Mexico on March 31, it will mark their 21st qualifier in this campaign, a stark contrast to the eight matches some nations play to secure World Cup berths.
“It’s been such an intense effort to get to this point,” Arnold told FIFA from his home in Baghdad. “This squad has been on the edge four times in six months. Having come this far, we will leave everything on the pitch and go for it from the very first minute because I want to do this for the Iraqi people.”
A Connection Forged in Athens
Arnold’s connection to Iraqi football stretches back more than two decades. At the 2004 Athens Olympics, he served as assistant coach for Australia when the Olyroos met Iraq in the quarter-finals. Despite the turmoil of conflict at home, that Iraqi team rose to finish fourth and would go on to win the Asian Cup three years later.
“That squad showed what they could do,” Arnold recalled. “I’ve always felt they’d underachieved in World Cup qualification. It’s been 40 years since the nation was at a World Cup, and that challenge drew me to Iraq.”
The 62-year-old Australian took charge in May 2024, replacing Jesus Casas after resigning from the Socceroos post the previous September. A 1-0 away win against Jordan in his second match secured progress to the fourth round of Asian qualification.
Iraq finished level on points with Saudi Arabia but missed direct qualification on goals scored. A dramatic 107th-minute penalty then saw them edge past the United Arab Emirates in the fifth round to reach the Play-Off Tournament.
Building a New Approach
Arnold has made significant changes since taking charge, both on and off the field. He chose to base himself in Iraq, challenging perceptions about the country.
“There’s a perception about Iraq that is completely wrong,” he said. “I’ve travelled all over the country and there are many beautiful places. Where I live in Baghdad, things are really modern with beautiful parks. Being fully invested means being in Iraq, going to local matches and showing people I’m fully committed.”
On the football side, Arnold has focused on structure and discipline.
“Technically, they have everything needed. I’ve been impressed with how they’ve adapted tactically. We’re more compact, more disciplined and more structured than before. That meant working on the physical and mental sides of the game.”
One immediate change was implementing a social media ban for players throughout training camps.
“From the day they get into camp to the day they leave, they have a social media ban. They need to focus on just playing and getting the result done. There are fewer distractions, they sleep better and aren’t addicted to their phones reading what’s happening.”
The Final Hurdle
Iraq is seeded through to the Play-Off Final and will meet either Bolivia or Suriname, who play each other five days earlier. Arnold is keeping his focus inward.
“I really can’t say who will win between Bolivia and Suriname. The most important thing is that we get things right with ourselves. We have to make sure our preparation is right and the players are fit and ready. Then we go for it. We won’t go there trying not to lose.”
Victory would set up a daunting Group I contest against France, African champions Senegal, and a dangerous Norway side led by Erling Haaland. But Arnold, who would become the first Asian Football Confederation coach to lead two different nations at a World Cup, sees opportunity rather than fear.
“Some people may say that France, Norway and Senegal is the group of death. I say let’s go for it. All the pressure is on France to win it, the pressure is on Norway and Senegal to get through the pressure is not on Iraq.”
With trusted assistant Rene Meulensteen, the former long-serving Manchester United coach, by his side, Arnold believes Iraq can surprise people.
“I don’t care what anyone says. There’s nothing better than going to a World Cup. When we’re there, we’ve got nothing to lose. We’re going to play without fear, shock the world and enjoy it while we’re doing it.”
For a nation of 46 million people passionate about football, the dream of a second World Cup appearance draws closer. As Arnold puts it: “They bleed the one blood and have the one dream.”
