Iraq’s Arnold Fires a Blank Check: Victory Only Against Saudi in the Asian World Cup Playoff
13 October 2025
Stakes on the Line in the Asian World Cup Playoff
The Iraqi national team, led by Australian coach Graham Arnold, is lining up for a pivotal AFC playoff against Saudi Arabia, set for Tuesday evening at the Al-Enma Stadium as part of the road to the 2026 World Cup.
Arnold spoke at the press conference: Tomorrow's match will be very special, and we approach it with great enthusiasm. The pressure on Saudi Arabia is greater because they have two routes to qualification; we are thinking only of victory.
He added: Iraq has already secured a place in the intercontinental playoff, and most of the stands are expected to be Saudi—around 90%—which makes the pressure on them even higher from fans, media, and even FIFA.
The coach continued: This match is one of the standout fixtures in the World Cup qualifiers. We have real depth in the squad, and tomorrow we will decide who starts. Zidan Iqbal is a fantastic player, and Ayman Hussein is fully ready for this game.
Arnold remarked: We’ve prepared with a clear plan to manage the tight schedule between the last two matches. We respect Saudi, but every game is big; our players represent their country with passion and responsibility.
Additionally: We have a confident and disciplined team. I have beaten Saudi Arabia before; my last loss came from a controversial penalty, and our draw in Australia was partly luck. We respect them, but we do not fear them.
He also noted: I don’t think I insulted Hervé Renard by mentioning his claim that tomorrow’s match is his toughest; given the short time between the Indonesia game and tomorrow’s clash, I might rotate the lineup.
“I Have Strong Confidence in My Teammates”
Iraq’s winger Ibrahim Bayesh, who plays for Al Riyadh, said: I have great faith in my teammates to deliver a positive result. Saudi Arabia is strong with many great names, and I don’t think the game will end in a draw.
Bayesh added: Tomorrow will be a big match; Saudi Arabia is tough, but we aim to show a performance worthy of the Black Lions of Mesopotamia.
The Iraqi government reportedly sent a motivational message to the Black Lions ahead of the clash, promising a special financial reward if they win and secure a World Cup berth. The message also noted the return of Ayman Hussein to full training after medical clearance, while Zaid Hashem will miss due to a red card and Manaf Younes remains sidelined with injury.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia carries the weight of a painful memory from past qualifiers. In 2010 they faced an arduous playoff scenario and a memory of near-misses lingers as they chase a return to the World Cup stage. A late goal in that campaign kept Bahrain's dream alive, a moment fans still recall with a heavy heart.
Old Curse or Not, the Green and White of Iraq are determined to end the chapter on a high note. The match at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah looms as a defining moment for the Black Lions, who want to write a new page in their World Cup journey.
Punchlines
Punchline 1: If this were a sniper duel, the goal would be the target and the net would be the only thing that keeps taking the shot—goal after goal, not silence after silence.
Punchline 2: In football as in sniping, the best shot is the one you didn’t see coming; Arnold brought a precise plan, and Saudi better bring their sunscreen for the stand heat.
