Arnold Decides His Position on Including Montazar Al-Majid in the World Playoff Match
The discussion about Montazar Al-Majid, the Iraqi national team player and Swedish Hammarby club member, continues after he was absent from the ranks of the Lions of Mesopotamia in the two matches against the UAE in the Asian playoff qualifying for the global playoff, which in turn qualifies for the 2026 World Cup.
Al-Majid was also absent from the Iraqi national team in the 2025 Arab Cup in Qatar, increasing the ambiguity about his future with the Lions of Mesopotamia, amid circulating news about disciplinary sanctions against the player.
Sources said: "Iraqi national team coach Graham Arnold is very concerned about Al-Majid's situation and follows his statistics and goals in the Swedish Premier League, especially since the young player has delivered excellent performances in the tournament, and he is heading towards stronger competitions and challenges in the upcoming season. Therefore, it was necessary for the coach to invite him for the two matches against the UAE in the Asian playoff."
They added: "One day before traveling to the UAE, Al-Majid informed the coach that he was suffering from a health setback, and that the doctor advised him not to travel or play for a short period to be able to overcome it. Based on that, Arnold was informed of his inability to deliver the levels expected by the Australian coach if he was to participate in the two matches against the UAE, especially since the matches were extremely important."
They explained: "Coach Arnold dealt with the situation wisely and calmly and did not impose any penalties on the player as recently rumored. Rather, he understood his condition and informed him that he would remain within his future plans, as he possesses the qualities the Australian coach is looking for in terms of penetration, speed in running, and shooting near the penalty area, in addition to the crosses that the player masters."
They continued: "Regarding the Arab Cup, Graham Arnold includes Al-Majid in the preliminary list for the Iraqi national team, as he was keen to try as many players as possible. Moreover, Montazar does not need trial experience, so he is scheduled to return to the team’s ranks in the global playoff match, given the sensitivity of the situation and Iraq’s need for all its stars."
Al-Majid was also absent from the Iraqi national team in the 2025 Arab Cup in Qatar, increasing the ambiguity about his future with the Lions of Mesopotamia, amid circulating news about disciplinary sanctions against the player.
Sources said: "Iraqi national team coach Graham Arnold is very concerned about Al-Majid's situation and follows his statistics and goals in the Swedish Premier League, especially since the young player has delivered excellent performances in the tournament, and he is heading towards stronger competitions and challenges in the upcoming season. Therefore, it was necessary for the coach to invite him for the two matches against the UAE in the Asian playoff."
They added: "One day before traveling to the UAE, Al-Majid informed the coach that he was suffering from a health setback, and that the doctor advised him not to travel or play for a short period to be able to overcome it. Based on that, Arnold was informed of his inability to deliver the levels expected by the Australian coach if he was to participate in the two matches against the UAE, especially since the matches were extremely important."
They explained: "Coach Arnold dealt with the situation wisely and calmly and did not impose any penalties on the player as recently rumored. Rather, he understood his condition and informed him that he would remain within his future plans, as he possesses the qualities the Australian coach is looking for in terms of penetration, speed in running, and shooting near the penalty area, in addition to the crosses that the player masters."
They continued: "Regarding the Arab Cup, Graham Arnold includes Al-Majid in the preliminary list for the Iraqi national team, as he was keen to try as many players as possible. Moreover, Montazar does not need trial experience, so he is scheduled to return to the team’s ranks in the global playoff match, given the sensitivity of the situation and Iraq’s need for all its stars."
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