The qualification marks a significant milestone for Iraq, which will be making only their second appearance at the World Cup and their first since the 1986 FIFA World Cup. In their previous outing, they exited in the group stage after suffering three defeats.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Iraq has been placed in a tough Group I in the World Cup, where they will face 2022 World Cup runner-ups France, along with Senegal and Norway, in the group stage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on the draw, Arnold pointed to his previous experience against France during his time with Australia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. \u201cBefore thinking about facing France, I must mention that I faced them previously with the Australian national team at the 2022 World Cup, and we lost 4-1, but we used that experience as motivation to beat Tunisia and Denmark and qualify for the round of 16,\u201d he said after the match, as quoted by Goal.com.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The coach emphasised that Iraq will approach the tournament without pressure. \u201cAs the Iraqi national team, we have nothing to lose. We must go into the World Cup with a winning mentality; that is the only way to achieve success,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Arnold also underlined the excitement of facing top players on the world stage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBeing on the same pitch as players like Kylian Mbapp\u00e9 and Erling Haaland is a great honour for our players, and we will respect their abilities, but we will take to the pitch to try and win and surprise the world,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He concluded by highlighting the significance of the achievement for Iraqi football.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBeing on the same pitch as players like Kylian Mbapp\u00e9 and Erling Haaland is a great honour for our players, and we will respect their abilities, but we will take to the pitch to try and win and surprise the world,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Iraq will begin their campaign in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 16 against Norway at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. They will then face France on June 22 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Iraq will conclude their group-stage fixtures against Senegal on June 26 at BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario.<\/p>\r\n\r\n