Adnan Darjal, President of the Iraqi Football Association, confirmed that the national team and the Iraqi sports community have officially entered the atmosphere of the decisive Asian playoff qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, noting that preparations have reached their final stages before the anticipated matches against Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.

Darjal stated in media remarks that the Iraqi team "is preparing to undergo the two most important stages on the road to World Cup qualification," explaining that "the whole country is living in a state of anticipation, and everyone is talking about the team, its preparations, and the selections of coach Graham Arnold, and no voice is louder than the dream of qualification that Iraqis have been waiting for since 1986."

He added: "We hope that our players do not suffer any injuries inside or outside Iraq, and next Monday the delegation will depart for Saudi Arabia in preparation for the playoff matches, and our goal is for the 14th of this month to be a day of joy for all Iraqis by achieving the dream of qualification."

Darjal called on the Iraqi fans to "stand behind the team and provide moral support during this sensitive stage," emphasizing that "the fans are the primary source of inspiration for the team, and the media should refrain from unconstructive criticism and continue to motivate and support until the last moment."

The President of the Iraqi Federation pointed out that coach Graham Arnold "selected the players with utmost precision, preferring the most prepared elements, whether in the local league or professionals outside Iraq," indicating that "the players realize they are on the brink of making history again, and they may grant the country joy of a second qualification after the achievement of Mexico 1986."

Darjal concluded his remarks by confirming that the Iraqi Federation has obtained about 4,200 tickets designated for Iraqi fans who will attend the match against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah, explaining that "the tickets represent 8% of the total stadium capacity, and they will be distributed to fans wishing to support the Lions of Mesopotamia."

It is scheduled for Adnan Darjal to travel with the Iraqi national team delegation to Jeddah to be close to coach Arnold and the players, in his capacity as the general supervisor of the team during this critical phase.