The coach of the Iraqi national team, Australian Graham Arnold, faces a pivotal task requiring great precision in selecting his upcoming roster, ahead of the intercontinental playoff match qualifying for the 2026 World Cup finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Iraqi fans are eagerly anticipating this decisive clash scheduled for April 1st on Mexican soil, with high hopes for the 'Lions of Mesopotamia' to return to the World Cup after a long absence since their participation in 1986.

In this context, Iraqi coach Sadiq Hanoun emphasized the importance of the team entering the match without resorting to excuses, affirming that the game represents a real test of the players' ability to achieve victory and reach the awaited dream.

Hanoun stated that the playoff encounter 'must be treated as a true football battle, not just an ordinary match,' highlighting the necessity of maintaining the highest levels of focus and readiness.

He added that coach Graham Arnold has a comprehensive vision of all the players, whether professionals or those active in the Iraqi Stars League, explaining that the call-up process should be based on three fundamental conditions: readiness, harmony, and experience, as these elements will provide the team with the necessary balance in one of its most important matches.

He pointed out that Arnold's continuous monitoring of local league matches is a positive point, as it gives him a clear picture of the players' levels, indicating that a player who maintains his level will be the closest to being included, while a decline in performance may exclude any name from the final list, reflecting the technical staff's reliance on the principle of accurate evaluation before making a decision.

Hanoun explained that there is a possibility of granting some exceptions to a number of influential players, citing the example of striker Ayman Hussein, who may remain an important option despite his limited participation with his team Al-Karmah, due to his technical value and offensive experience, stressing that this issue requires careful study because the qualification opportunity 'may not be repeated.'

He continued that the optimism shown by the Australian coach in his statements positively reflects on the players' morale, yet the responsibility remains significant on their shoulders, as they must develop their levels and continue to play regularly to support the technical staff in their mission, emphasizing that plans alone are not enough to reach the World Cup unless translated into strong performance on the field.

As the anticipated clash approaches, attention turns to the roster that Arnold will announce, hoping the Iraqi national team will succeed in seizing this historic opportunity and take a new step towards achieving the long-awaited dream of returning to the grandest stage.