Iraq’s Graham Arnold: We’ll Take Fighting Spirit to ‘Toughest Group’ at World Cup

Arnold calls for Iraqi grit ahead of first World Cup since 1986

Iraq qualified for the expanded 48-team tournament via the intercontinental playoff and will play friendlies against Andorra and Spain.

Drawn with Norway, France, and Senegal, Arnold called Group I “the toughest group in the World Cup” as Iraq prepare for their return...

Iraq coach Graham Arnold said on Saturday that he wants his team to bring their trademark “fighting mentality” to the World Cup next month. It will be Iraq’s first appearance at the finals since 1986.

Iraq clinched the final spot in the expanded 48-team tournament by beating Bolivia in the intercontinental playoff final in Mexico in April. The 2026 World Cup will take place across North America.

Placed in Group I with Norway, France, and Senegal, Arnold called it “the toughest group in the World Cup.”

“We work together as a family and we go to the World Cup believing we can make Iraq proud,” Arnold told reporters.

Iraq begin their campaign against Norway on June 16, then face 2022 runners-up France on June 22 and Senegal four days later.

“Norway is our first focus and we are getting ready for that game. Then we face the best team in the world, France - it will be a great experience,” Arnold said.

“What ‌I expect from the Iraqi boys is that Iraqi mentality of fighting - ‌we fight for every minute.”

Ranked 57th in the world and Asian champions in 2007, Iraq will keep preparing with friendlies against Andorra in Girona on May 29 and against Spain on June 4.