The Iraqi national team faces significant challenges ahead of their first match against the UAE, in the final round of the Asian playoff qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The first leg is scheduled to be hosted at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium next Thursday, to determine Asia's representative in the global playoff qualifying for the World Cup.

Former Iraqi player Bassam Raouf said: "The repercussions of the previous playoff matches against Indonesia and Saudi Arabia cast a shadow over the Iraqi national team before facing the UAE, especially after coach Graham Arnold benched several players without involving them, including Montader Al-Majed and Marco Faraj."

Raouf added: "The results of the recent matches and the unstable atmosphere will not be attractive for professional and expatriate players, as the conditions in the team are very complicated, and unfortunately, the file of professionals and expatriates does not receive the necessary attention from the Iraqi federation, at a time when this file should be a priority, as these players represent a national treasure that should be properly invested."

He continued: "Two committees should be formed, one technical and one administrative, each with specific tasks aimed at giving Iraqi players in Europe and other leagues a suitable opportunity, while coordinating directly with their ideas, and providing special treatment and a different approach."