Australian coach Graham Arnold continues to study all the details related to the preparations of the Iraqi national team before participating in the 2026 World Cup finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The head coach aims for an honorable appearance for the 'Lions of Mesopotamia' in their second global participation next summer.

The draw placed the Iraqi team in Group Nine, which includes France, Norway, and Senegal, with the group matches to be held between the United States and Canada. The coaching staff and players hope to present levels befitting the name of Iraqi football, proving that qualifying after 40 years was not a coincidence.

Informed sources revealed that the President of the Iraqi Football Association, Adnan Darjal, discussed with coach Graham Arnold remotely the details of the next preparation phase. This was in the presence of the team's administrative director, Mustafa Jamal, and technical translator, Ali Abbas, in a meeting dedicated to discussing the most prominent technical and administrative aspects supporting the team's journey.

The meeting addressed two preparation plans prepared by the federation in full coordination with the technical staff to ensure the best possible preparation for the team before the global event, considering developments in the region. The data indicates that the ceasefire between the United States and Iran remains fragile, which could affect the preparation program if new developments occur.

Plan A involves holding a domestic training camp in Basra province starting from May 22, provided the situation stabilizes. The camp will include an open friendly match for the public, which Arnold prioritizes as a motivational factor, wanting the players to meet Iraqi fans in Basra before traveling to the World Cup to boost morale.

If the current instability continues, Plan B will be activated, which includes the Iraqi team traveling to Spain on May 25. There, the team will play a friendly match on May 30 before facing the Spanish national team on June 4 as part of the external preparation program.

The Iraqi federation is currently in advanced negotiations with several teams that will camp in Spain during June to ensure strong experiences that enhance the readiness of the Lions of Mesopotamia before the World Cup.

After the Spain stop, the team is scheduled to head to the United States for a final friendly match on June 9 against one of the African teams, with a current preference between Egypt and Ivory Coast, as the last rehearsal before officially entering the World Cup competitions. The negotiations have advanced significantly, with only the final touches remaining.

Graham Arnold understands that Iraq's group in the World Cup includes heavyweight names like 2018 World Cup champions France, African champions Senegal, and Norway with its golden generation. Therefore, he insists on providing the highest levels of technical, physical, and psychological preparation. Whether the camp is in Basra or Spain, the goal is the same: to enter the World Cup with readiness that allows Iraq to represent Arab and Asian football in a manner befitting its history.