Australian Graham Arnold, coach of the Iraqi national team, announced a change in his tactical strategy in preparation for the intercontinental playoff match qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, following his defensive and conservative approach adopted during the Asian playoff matches against Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.

Arnold is looking to lead the Lions of Mesopotamia to face the winner of the Bolivia vs. Suriname match, which will take place in the Mexican city of Monterrey on April 1st, in a decisive match that will determine Iraq's path towards the dream of qualifying for the World Cup for the second time in its history.

A well-informed source told winwin: “The Iraqi national team coach will enter the intercontinental playoff with a clear offensive style, completely different from the previous matches, which were characterized by caution and defensiveness. Arnold seeks to exert continuous pressure on the opponent and create anxiety, as only a win will be sufficient for Iraq, and there is no room for compensation.”

The source added: “The coach is looking to deliver a comprehensive match combining defensive solidity and offensive effectiveness, considering that the technical differences might favor Bolivia if they qualify to face Iraq. Every detail of the match is carefully calculated, whether in terms of formation or tactical style, with close monitoring of the players' physical fitness.”

The source continued: “There won't be significant changes in the lineup, as the preliminary tactical plan is ready, regardless of the identity of the upcoming opponent. Arnold appears calm and optimistic, working to motivate the players to achieve the dream of qualifying for the World Cup finals, and adding a new page in the history of Iraqi football.”

Monitoring Iraqi Professionals in the Gulf

The source pointed out that Arnold will soon head to the UAE and Saudi Arabia to monitor the levels of Iraqi professionals there, especially with the Iraqi Stars League pausing for ten days, explaining that players Ibrahim Bayesh, Mohannad Ali, Ali Jassim, and Haider Abdul Kareem are on the initial list being closely watched by the coach.

Arnold hopes to be the first Asian coach to lead two different teams to the World Cup finals, after his success with the Australian national team in the 2022 World Cup, which increases the stakes on his ability to lead Iraq to a new historic achievement.

If Iraq qualifies for the World Cup, they will be in Group Nine alongside France, Norway, and Senegal, facing significant challenges, but the Lions of Mesopotamia aspire to leave a strong mark on the global stage and reclaim their position among the continent's teams.