The Australian coach of the Iraqi national team, Graham Arnold, expressed his great enthusiasm and strong optimism after the announcement of the results of the Asian playoff draw for the World Cup, which the Iraqi team will participate in during the upcoming month of October, confirming that work will begin immediately to achieve a long-awaited dream for more than four decades.

Arnold said in press statements reported by Asian media: "I am very happy and extremely excited after the playoff draw announcement, and we will be fully focused and at the peak of our enthusiasm in October, to face the two matches with strength and determination."

Although our team will face a heavyweight opponent between Saudi Arabia or Indonesia, Arnold showed complete confidence in his players' abilities, adding: "As I have always said, I am not worried about who we will face or where we will play, our focus is solely on achieving victory. That is all we think about."

The Australian coach confirmed that he has extensive experience in dealing with competing teams, saying: "I have a long experience in facing Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, and I know the strengths and weaknesses of both, and I will work to leverage that in the ideal preparation of the team."

Arnold also touched on the recent FIFA ranking that saw Iraq advance over its competitors, considering it an additional motivation, stating: "I am very proud of the recent FIFA ranking, which placed us above Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, but the important thing now is to prove that on the field."

Arnold concluded his statements with a message full of enthusiasm and hope: "I have great confidence in the players, and I know they will be at the peak of their physical and mental fitness in October. This is our time, and we will fight with everything we have to achieve the dream of millions of Iraqis to reach the World Cup after a 40-year absence."

These statements are a clear reassurance to the Iraqi fans, who eagerly await the team's appearance in the decisive qualifiers, confident that the road to the 2026 World Cup begins with the coach's belief in his players and everyone's commitment to carry the nation's flag until the end.