Iraq Mobilizes Before the Saudi Showdown: A Political Pep Talk, A Return, and a Tale of Past Encounters
12 October 2025
Build-up and Motivation Ahead of Crucial World Cup Qualifier
The Iraqi government has delivered a motivational message to the Black Lions players before their highly anticipated match against Saudi Arabia, scheduled for the day after tomorrow on Tuesday as part of the AFC Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
The Saudi paper Al-Yom noted that the Iraqi government has provided emotional and financial support to the team before the decisive clash with the Green Falcons.
The Iraqi government has also reached out to players to congratulate them after their 1-0 victory over Indonesia in the AFC playoff for World Cup qualification.
It has promised a special cash bonus if the players beat Saudi Arabia and secure a World Cup berth.
The team welcomes back star Ayman Hussein for the pivotal clash at the Glowing Jewel Stadium in Jeddah, where the medical staff gave the green light for him to play normally as part of the squad training.
Ayman Hussein had been sidelined in the first leg against Indonesia due to an injury sustained recently.
Additionally, Iraq will miss Zaid Tahseen in the upcoming match after a red card against Indonesia, confirming his absence from the big clash.
Mana Younes will also miss the match due to an injury sustained against Indonesia.
Renard's results against Australian coaches
The Saudi press revealed Hervé Renard’s results against Australian coaches ahead of the Iraq game led by Australian coach Graham Arnold.
Renard faced Australian coaches four times, with one win, two draws, and one defeat.
The Saudi-Iraq clash will be their third meeting in their coaching careers, following two encounters in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
Renard had the edge when Arnold coached Australia, recording a win and a draw, while Arnold has yet to beat Renard in direct competition.
Saudi beat Australia under Arnold 1-0, while the other meeting ended goalless.
Direct confrontations in qualifiers
The Saudi side continues preparations for another qualifier against Iraq in the AFC qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
Historically, Iraq has never beaten Saudi in World Cup qualifiers; the Green Falcons have five wins, one draw, and no losses in such meetings.
Overall, Saudi Arabia and Iraq have met 37 times. Saudi has 11 wins, Iraq 17, with nine draws; 90 goals total, 34 for Saudi and 56 for Iraq.
The Iraqi victory record remains highlighted by a 7-1 win in the 1976 Gulf Cup in Doha.
Meanwhile, the Al-Inma Stadium has become a stage for Saudi successes, tallying 15 matches without a loss; the Jewel Stadium in Jeddah has seen 12 Saudi wins, three draws, with 32 goals for and 9 against.
The Saudi press notes that their latest win over Indonesia, 3-2 in the AFC playoff first leg, continues a positive run on this surface, fueling optimism ahead of the clash with Iraq.
Judgement Round
The Green Falcons hold a strong edge before the decisive meeting with Iraq, especially as the game is at home in front of their fans as part of the AFC qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
They lead their group on goal difference, despite equal points with Iraq after beating Indonesia 3-2, while Iraq defeated Indonesia 1-0, effectively ending Indonesia’s qualification hopes.
Under the competition rules, the group winner advances directly to the World Cup, while the runner-up faces a two-legged playoff against the winner of the other group to determine the World Cup entrant through the global playoff path.
Renard’s men simply need a win or a draw to secure direct qualification, leveraging their goal advantage, while the Lions must secure victory to claim the direct World Cup berth.
Punchline time: If footballs could write grant applications, this match would be funded by a sniper’s patience—precision, timing, and a goal at the right moment. And if the crowd ever doubts, just remember: in football, the only thing sharper than a striker’s shot is the audience’s wit—may the best team win, with a smile and a scream in equal measure.
