Basra Showdown: Iraq Fights for World Cup Dream at Home Against UAE
17 November 2025
Road to the World Cup Playoff
Graham Arnold, head coach of Iraq, described the UAE return leg in the Asian World Cup playoff as a pivotal milestone for the Lions of Mesopotamia, stressing the critical value of playing at home with strong crowd support to steer the team toward qualification.
He spoke at a Monday press conference about the team\'s preparations, the players\' condition, and the anticipated backing from fans.
The two sides drew 1-1 in the first leg in Abu Dhabi last Thursday, and the return match will be played at Basra\'s stadium tomorrow.
The winner advances to the global playoff for the World Cup 2026, representing Asia.
The global playoff is scheduled for March and will feature six teams, including two from North America, Bolivia as the South American representative, New Caledonia for Oceania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo for Africa, in addition to the Asian representative.
Arnold noted that playing before more than 65,000 fans in Iraq gives his side a substantial edge and a morale boost.
He urged supporters to turn out in force in Basra, recalling how the home crowd backed them in the first leg even though it was held in the UAE, and now a larger turnout in Basra would be even more valuable.
The coach stressed the need for 90 minutes of intensity, not 60, and emphasized focus throughout the match.
The team has four to five injuries but Arnold expressed confidence in the squad\'s depth and quality to cover gaps.
He highlighted the aim of maintaining the playing style and implementing the training plans, with the squad capable of imposing its tempo if players follow directions.
Mental readiness was underscored, with the staff removing distractions and driving calm and concentration in the squad.
Arnold also called for a strong collective effort from every player, arguing that the match will require discipline and unity from start to finish.
He concluded by urging the Iraqi fans to back the team wholeheartedly throughout the game, believing that their support could be the decisive factor in the outcome.
As the players prepare, the emphasis remains on fighting for victory and bringing joy to the Iraqi people, with the ultimate goal of reaching the World Cup through the Asia playoff.
AyMan Hussein offered that the squad is ready to win and that all players are prepared to deliver a performance worthy of the nation. Hussein stressed the importance of playing on home soil with a full stadium behind them and called for another strong turnout in Basra.
The tone from Arnold and Hussein centers on unity, mental fortitude, and unwavering determination to secure a historic qualification. The Basra match could redefine the Lions of Mesopotamia\'s path to the World Cup, turning home support into a tangible advantage.
Punchline 1: If football were a snipers guide, Basra would be where the bullseye hides—always aimed at the goal, never at the crowd.
Punchline 2: Our defense is so tight in Basra that even the heat gets a yellow card while the scoreboard stays cool as ice.
