Radhi Shneishel, the former coach of the Iraqi national team, has set two main conditions for the Lions of Mesopotamia to overcome the global playoff hurdle and qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The Iraqi team is scheduled to face the winner of the Bolivia vs. Suriname match in the global playoff, in a game to be held in the Mexican city of Monterrey at 6:00 AM on the first day of April.

Shneishel told the winwin platform in exclusive statements: "The Iraqi team is very close to achieving the dream of qualifying for the World Cup, and there is only one decisive match left, so all efforts must be mobilized and full focus must be maintained to win this match at any cost, as it is the most important and crucial match in the history of the Lions of Mesopotamia."

He added: "Qualifying for the World Cup requires fulfilling two main conditions by coach Graham Arnold; the first condition is to closely monitor the players to select the best among them for this pivotal encounter, while the second condition lies in proper preparation for the match, through an ideal training camp preceding the playoff."

Shneishel explained: "Without a doubt, the Australian coach is currently following the matches of the potential opponent, whether Suriname or Bolivia, and is working on studying their playing style and preparing his tactical plans appropriately. In my view, I believe Arnold will be cautious in the match, especially if the opponent is the Bolivia national team."

He continued: "Just as the technical staff is doing their job to the fullest, the players are also required to do their part by taking care of themselves and avoiding injuries, especially under the pressure of the Iraqi league matches, as this pressure could lead to fatigue and possibly injuries to some players before the playoff match."

Shneishel pointed out another issue by saying: "I hope the decision to increase the number of professional players in the Iraqi league does not affect the situation of local players, especially national team players, as this may cause them difficulty in finding playing opportunities with their clubs in the future. Therefore, I see the necessity of reconsidering this decision in the next season, and that it should be a temporary decision imposed by the current season's circumstances."

It is expected that the coach of the Iraqi national team, Graham Arnold, will announce the official list that will compete in the global playoff at the beginning of March, before heading to Mexico for a training camp prior to the crucial encounter.