The President of the Iraqi Football Association, Adnan Dirjal, issued an apology to the Iraqi fans following the team's exit from the Arab Cup.

The Iraqi national team lost to their Jordanian counterparts 1-0 in the quarterfinals of the tournament.

During his meeting with the players after the match, Dirjal said in statements published on the official page of the Iraqi Football Association: "We are all proud of the outstanding performances you showed in the tournament. Although some of you are playing for the national team for the first time, you rose to the responsibility and challenge of representing your country today. You did not deserve to lose; you were the best, as acknowledged by everyone. But this is football, and it does not always reward the best."

He added: "We have gained many benefits from this participation, foremost among them is acquiring new players, which will be an important addition to the Iraqi national team in the upcoming phase."

He continued: "We have three and a half months until the World Cup qualifiers. You must be fully prepared. We want commitment, discipline, training, and hard work so that you can fulfill your fans' dream of qualifying for the World Cup after a 40-year absence."

Dirjal also praised the role of the national media, saying: "I thank the media for their positivity during the Arab Cup competitions, which clearly contributed to supporting the national team. I ask you to continue this support until the World playoff, which our fans have been waiting for for four decades."

He concluded his speech by apologizing to the fans: "I apologize to the people of Iraq for being eliminated from the tournament, but the Lions of Mesopotamia will make up for it next March by achieving the greatest dream of reaching the World Cup."