Iraq Relies on Three Key Elements Before Facing Indonesia
The Iraqi national team continues its intensive preparations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in preparation for the match against the Indonesian national team tomorrow, Saturday, at King Abdullah International Stadium, at 10:30 PM local time, in the first match of the Lions of Mesopotamia in the Asian qualifying playoff for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Iraqi team has three strong weapons that give it an advantage in the match, at a time when the team needs to secure a victory to enhance its chances of qualifying for the World Cup.
Australian coach Graham Arnold clarified that the Iraqi team has an important advantage as it will play the first match in the playoff, while the Indonesians will be playing their second match, which gives Iraq ample time to prepare.
He added: “The Iraqi national team is 100% ready to play the match, while the Indonesian national team's readiness is less than 80%, due to the short preparation period before the match.”
History also serves as an additional weapon for the Iraqi team, which has faced the Indonesians in 9 previous matches, winning 8 of them and drawing once, without suffering any losses since the first encounter between the two teams in 1973.
Arnold continued: “We will strive to enhance the team’s impressive record against a strong East Asian opponent, despite the progress that the Indonesian team has made recently.”
The Iraqi coaching staff has been keen to study the strengths and weaknesses of the Indonesian national team, after watching their latest match against Saudi Arabia, which showed the team's strength in quick transitions and set-pieces.
The coach added: “Today we know well how to deal with the quick attacks of the Indonesians, and we will choose players capable of breaking through the defense and scoring, to ensure we earn the three points.”
The Iraqi team is scheduled to wear the full white kit, while the Indonesians will appear in red, making this the tenth match in the history of encounters between the two teams.
Arnold stated: “Every match in the playoff is important, but our full focus will be on tomorrow's match, and after it ends, we will start preparing for the match against Saudi Arabia, and we are confident that the players are mentally and physically ready to achieve the desired goal.
The Iraqi team has three strong weapons that give it an advantage in the match, at a time when the team needs to secure a victory to enhance its chances of qualifying for the World Cup.
Australian coach Graham Arnold clarified that the Iraqi team has an important advantage as it will play the first match in the playoff, while the Indonesians will be playing their second match, which gives Iraq ample time to prepare.
He added: “The Iraqi national team is 100% ready to play the match, while the Indonesian national team's readiness is less than 80%, due to the short preparation period before the match.”
History also serves as an additional weapon for the Iraqi team, which has faced the Indonesians in 9 previous matches, winning 8 of them and drawing once, without suffering any losses since the first encounter between the two teams in 1973.
Arnold continued: “We will strive to enhance the team’s impressive record against a strong East Asian opponent, despite the progress that the Indonesian team has made recently.”
The Iraqi coaching staff has been keen to study the strengths and weaknesses of the Indonesian national team, after watching their latest match against Saudi Arabia, which showed the team's strength in quick transitions and set-pieces.
The coach added: “Today we know well how to deal with the quick attacks of the Indonesians, and we will choose players capable of breaking through the defense and scoring, to ensure we earn the three points.”
The Iraqi team is scheduled to wear the full white kit, while the Indonesians will appear in red, making this the tenth match in the history of encounters between the two teams.
Arnold stated: “Every match in the playoff is important, but our full focus will be on tomorrow's match, and after it ends, we will start preparing for the match against Saudi Arabia, and we are confident that the players are mentally and physically ready to achieve the desired goal.
News Related
Two Opportunities for the Saudi National Team to Qualify for the World Cup Before Facing Iraq
Saudi Arabia faces Iraq in the 2026 World Cup playoff.
Iraq Achieves a Precious Victory Over Indonesia in World Cup Playoffs
The Iraqi national team snatched a valuable and difficult victory from their Indonesian counterpart with a single goal.
Expected Lineup for the Iraq National Team Against Indonesia
The Iraqi national team is putting the finishing touches on its preparations before facing the Indonesian team.
Iraqi National Team Sets Its Priorities Before Facing Indonesia
The Iraqi national team is putting the final touches before facing the Indonesian team tomorrow.
Iraq Relies on Three Key Elements Before Facing Indonesia
The Iraqi national team continues its intensive preparations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in preparation for the match.
Graham Arnold: We Know the Importance of the Indonesia Match and We Aspire to Win
Australian coach Graham Arnold, the coach of the Iraqi national team, confirmed that his team
Laith Hussein Offers Important Advice to the Lions of Mesopotamia Before Facing Indonesia
The former Iraqi football star Laith Hussein has given two important pieces of advice to
Saudi Arabia Achieves a Precious Victory Over Indonesia in World Cup Playoff
The Saudi national team secured a valuable victory against their Indonesian counterpart 3-2.
Graham Arnold Calls Up Air Force Striker to Iraq Squad
Australian coach Graham Arnold, the head coach of the Iraqi national team, has decided to call up
Arnold Receives Recommendations on Three Players for the Iraqi National Team
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.