Iraq’s World Cup Dream Faces Saudi Hurdle: Arnold Warns of Pressure, Not Despair

Ahead of the Saudi clash, Arnold keeps it real

Australian coach Graham Arnold, who leads the Iraqi national team, spoke about the odds of the Lions of Mesopotamia making the 2026 World Cup, just hours before the eagerly awaited showdown with Saudi Arabia in the third and final round of Group B in the Asian play-offs.

The match is set to be played at the Al-Inma Stadium in the city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as the two teams square off to decide the World Cup ticket.

Saudi Arabia sits top of Group B with three points, tied on goal difference with Iraq after both teams defeated Indonesia in the opening two rounds.

Arnold told reporters that Iraq fully believes in its World Cup chances, stressing that the game will be tough and full of intensity.

He underscored that Saudi Arabia would feel the greater burden, saying, “There is no doubt about it—the pressure will be higher on Saudi Arabia, who play at home in front of their own fans.” He added that the pressure will also come from media, fans, and FIFA, noting that reality is what it is.

He also referenced Hervé Renard’s claim that the Iraq match could be the most important in his career, clarifying that he doesn’t mean to insult Renard, but that every detail of this clash matters and everyone will give their utmost to win.

“We are not playing under pressure,” Arnold said. “Iraq’s campaign is at least guaranteed to continue toward a World Cup path, and even if we lose we could face the runner-up of Group A and perhaps a global playoff, but we believe in our chances.”

He emphasized that discussions about numbers and statistics were secondary to the reality on the pitch, recalling that in the last encounter with Saudi Arabia the Green won on a disputed penalty decision in their favor.

The Iraqi coach predicted a huge home crowd in Jeddah would be a factor against the visitors, noting that Saudi Arabia has two routes to qualification—either win or draw—while Iraq will play to win.

With more than four decades of coaching experience, Arnold said he knows how to handle situations like this and that winning in this pivotal match is the team’s motto heading into the game.

On player readiness, Arnold confirmed that all squad members are available for the Saudi clash, led by forward Ayman Hussein, who had been sidelined by injury in the Indonesia match but trained with the group and is expected to start or feature strongly.

He remarked on the tight turnaround between the Indonesia and Saudi fixtures, calling the short recovery period challenging but manageable and promising that adjustments to the lineup could be made based on players’ fitness and the tactical plan for the game.

Arnold also discussed eventual lineup tweaks that could be made after the final training session on Monday evening to ensure the best balance between attack and defense.

Statements from Ibrahim Bayesh

Bayesh, a member of the Iraqi squad, described the match as a huge occasion and warned that the Saudi hosts will be formidable opponents on their soil and in front of their fans.

Bayesh praised Arnold for his hard work with the last four months, highlighting his role in developing the players and building a strong, cohesive team tactically and collectively.

“Arnold is like a father to us—perhaps a strict father at times, but one who works tirelessly to achieve the team’s goals,” Bayesh said, stressing that everyone in the squad is ready for the monumental game that decides whether they reach the 2026 World Cup.

He reminded that Iraq has only qualified for a World Cup once, back in 1986, when the tournament was held in Mexico. In that campaign, Iraq lost 1-0 to Paraguay, then fell to Belgium 2-1 in the second group match, and were beaten 3-0 by Mexico in the final group game, with Iraq’s only World Cup goal scored by Ahmed Radhi.

Bayesh concluded by restating Iraq’s ambition to reach the World Cup after a 40-year absence, with the World Cup finals set to unfold across Mexico, Canada, and the United States.

As the countdown to the knockout-style tie continues, both teams know that a place in North America is on the line, and the eyes of fans in Asia and beyond will be on a game that could rewrite the history books for the Lions of Mesopotamia.

Punchline time: If football is a chess match, Arnold just checked Saudi Arabia’s king and warned, “Don’t blink—this is Iraq’s turn to castle.” And if the crowd starts singing, remember: even the cacti in the desert know when to applaud a well-placed pass. Also: if you’re counting on VAR, bring a calendar—these games age faster than fine wine when the stakes are this high.