Good News in Iraq's Squad for the 2026 World Cup

Australian Graham Arnold, the coach of the Iraqi national team, is preparing to reveal the preliminary squad for the 'Lions of Mesopotamia' in preparation for the 2026 World Cup finals hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The final squad is to be decided by June 1st.

This step comes weeks before Iraq's journey in the World Cup begins, where the draw placed them in Group Nine alongside France, Norway, and Senegal. The team will start its campaign against Norway on June 17, then face France on June 23, and conclude the group stage against Senegal on June 26.

Informed sources confirmed that the Australian coach is not rushing the matter, despite the tournament regulations allowing him to include more than 30 players in the preliminary squad. The goal is to provide an opportunity to evaluate as many players as possible before settling on the final lineup.

According to sources, the squad will feature new faces wearing the national team jersey for the first time. Leading them are Ahmed Qasim from Nashville SC, Dario Namo from Dundee United, and Youssef Al-Nasrawi, a professional with Red Bull Salzburg. The trio will have the chance to prove themselves to the coaching staff during the preparation period.

The anticipated squad will also see the return of Montather Al-Majid from Hammarby IF after an absence of several months due to injuries and schedule conflicts with his club, which previously refused to let him join. Al-Majid's return provides an additional option for the midfield, and he will be expected to make the most of the upcoming camp to convince Arnold of his ability to return to the lineup.

Arnold is expected to announce the squad within the next 72 hours, with clubs to be officially informed before the start of the Spain camp set for May 22. The camp will begin with local league players, while the professionals will join three days later, on May 25.

The coaching staff is heavily relying on a group of names that form the backbone of the team, most notably Ayman Hussein, Akam Hashim, Ali Al-Hamadi, and Amir Al-Amari. Arnold wants these players to be at their peak readiness, not only technically but also as models of discipline in training and the locker room, considering them role models for the rest of the players.

Arnold held a press conference today, Saturday, during which he spoke about Iraq's ambitions in the World Cup and the specific challenge of facing stars like Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Sadio Mane. The Australian coach emphasized that participation itself represents a historic opportunity, but the goal is to present an honorable image that reflects the development of Iraqi football.

All eyes are now on the announcement of the preliminary squad, which may carry surprises in terms of names and open the door for new faces to write their first chapter with the 'Lions of Mesopotamia' in the world's largest football event.