As the crucial training camp for the Iraqi national team approaches, set to begin on March 15 in Houston, USA, and lasting for a week before heading to Monterrey, Mexico, Australian coach Graham Arnold has been keen on establishing a disciplined framework for his players' preparations. This coincides with the holy month of Ramadan, to ensure optimal readiness before the intercontinental playoff match qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

During his meeting with the players at the U.S. Embassy while they were undergoing visa interviews, Arnold gave three key pieces of advice, which he considered the most crucial foundation at this sensitive stage of the Lions of Mesopotamia's journey.

In his first recommendation, Arnold emphasized the importance of adhering to a diet, noting that the month of Ramadan can affect eating habits, which requires greater awareness from the players. He recommended focusing on foods rich in proteins and carbohydrates, in coordination with the national team's sports nutritionist, to adjust the quantities according to the training loads, while reducing the intake of heavy fried foods, sweets, and sugars that may negatively impact physical readiness.

The second recommendation was related to regulating sleep hours, as the coach pointed out that fasting might change the daily lifestyle, necessitating the maintenance of a regular sleep schedule ranging from 7 to 9 hours a day. He also urged the players to avoid consuming caffeine two hours after breaking the fast and to steer clear of heavy meals before bedtime, while maintaining the previous schedule as much as possible to ensure physical and mental stability.

Regarding the training aspect, Arnold established a clear rule for the team's work during the holy month, saying: "In Ramadan, we maintain the level and do not chase records," indicating that the goal at this stage is to maintain physical fitness rather than elevate it to exhausting levels. He emphasized the necessity of dividing training between physical, tactical, and recovery aspects, reducing training hours, and avoiding intense sessions that could affect the players' health.

These recommendations are part of a comprehensive preparation plan through which the coaching staff aims to enter the intercontinental playoff with the best possible readiness. The match could be decided by small details and requires high concentration and complete discipline both on and off the field.