The Iraqi national team, led by Australian coach Graham Arnold, is preparing to enter the decisive Asian playoff for qualification to the 2026 World Cup, amid a state of great focus ahead of the two crucial matches against Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.

The Lions of Mesopotamia are only four days away from their first match in the playoff, where they will face the Indonesian national team next Saturday at King Abdullah International Stadium in Jeddah, in a match that is pivotal on the road to the World Cup dream.

In a special interview with winwin, former Iraqi coach Jamal Ali confirmed that Arnold has chosen a balanced squad relying on experienced players, given the limited time and the sensitivity of the current phase.

Jamal Ali said: "Iraq's coach Graham Arnold was unable to add new elements to the squad due to the limited time and the sensitivity of the situation, as the team needs players with the necessary experience to secure tough matches, capitalize on half-chances, in addition to maintaining defensive balance and closing avenues against opponents, so betting on experienced players was a logical choice at this stage."

He added: "The squad did not carry significant changes, as it retained the faces that participated in previous periods, but there are three players who need special treatment from Arnold, namely Bashar Resan, Hassan Abdul Karim, and Mustafa Saadoun, because they have not shown their known level in the past period, and the coaching staff must motivate them and prepare them mentally and physically before involving them in the matches."

He continued: "Personally, I would have liked to see new faces in the lineup, especially from the Iraqi Premier League, but considering the nature of the playoff and the pressure of the matches, Arnold's options are realistic and logical, and there will be an opportunity for local elements after this phase ends, to inject the team with new blood that changes the team's shape."

Jamal Ali indicated that Iraq possesses all the components for success in this difficult mission, praising Arnold's experience and his ability to handle critical situations, saying: "The playoff does not recognize names or history, and all teams have the same chances, but Iraq's strength lies in its coach who is accustomed to big confrontations and previously led Australia in the World Cup, so we trust his mentality and ability to lead the Lions towards achieving the dream."

The Iraqi national team will begin its journey in the playoff on October 11 against Indonesia, and will face Saudi Arabia on the 14th of the same month, amid great public aspirations to see the team take another step closer to the 2026 World Cup.