Graham Arnold, head coach of the Iraq national team, has opened the page of preparation for the Arab Cup tournament to be held in Qatar in early December 2025, following the conclusion of the Lions of Mesopotamia’s mission in the Asian playoff qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

These preparations came immediately after the thrilling victory of the Iraqi team over the UAE 2-1 in the second leg of the Asian playoff, which was held at Basra International Stadium, with a large audience attendance of 65,000 spectators.

According to special sources: After the celebrations with the players ended, bilateral discussions took place between the Australian coach and the head of the Iraqi Football Association, Adnan Dirjal, which turned the preparations to the next phase, including the Arab Cup tournament.

The lines set by the coach to deal with the upcoming challenges were discussed, especially with the team relying on a large number of local players.

The sources added: "Arnold instructed to suspend the Iraqi Stars League competitions after the seventh round ends, so he can have his players fully available before starting intensive training in preparation for the team’s first match in the tournament."

The sources also explained that the coach seeks to call up a number of professionals in Europe, especially in the Swedish league, such as Ammar Mohsen and Montazer Al-Majid, if their clubs allow them to join the camp.

Arnold’s plan focuses on preparing both professional and local players together to ensure the highest readiness of the team before the start of the tournament.

The sources confirmed that meetings between the coach and the federation president will be intensive in the coming period, to set all the details related to the preparatory curriculum for the Arab tournament, as well as preparations for the global playoff.

The Arab Cup draw had placed Iraq in Group D alongside Algeria and the winner of the match between Lebanon and Sudan, Bahrain, and Djibouti.