The head coach of the Iraq national soccer team, Graham Arnold, expressed strong confidence in his players as they prepare for the Arab Cup quarterfinal match against Jordan this Friday. During a pre-match press conference in Doha, Arnold highlighted that the team is mentally and physically ready to perform at their best, stating, “We are going into the game with full readiness and will give everything to secure victory.”
Arnold mentioned the challenge posed by the absence of key player Hussein Ali, who is sidelined due to a red card, along with other injuries but emphasized that such obstacles are common in football. He believes that the tournament has served as an invaluable opportunity to assess and finalize the team’s strongest lineup.
The 2025 Arab Cup, taking place in Qatar from December 1 to 18, features 16 national teams competing in a FIFA-organized event. Arnold expressed satisfaction with the overall performance of the squad, particularly praising the contributions from players in the local league. Despite a recent 2-0 loss to Algeria in the final Group D match, Iraq had already secured their place in the knockout stage, finishing second in the group with six points behind Algeria, which topped the standings.
Looking ahead, Arnold confirmed that forward Mohanad Ali is expected to play but noted that the status of goalkeeper Jalal Hassan remains uncertain. He reiterated the importance of fielding the fittest and best-prepared players. Arnold further stressed the significance of tactical discipline, commending the team’s energy and potential.
In a gesture to support their fans, the Iraq Football Association announced that tickets for the quarterfinal match will be distributed free of charge to Iraqi supporters. This initiative reinforces the team’s commitment to engaging and rewarding their loyal fan base as they strive for success in the tournament.