Graham Arnold Excludes Seven Players from the Main Squad: Who Are They?

Australian coach Graham Arnold announced today the final list for the Iraqi national team participating in the 2026 World Cup, after months of tests, camps, and friendlies.

The list included big names and young faces, but it also witnessed the exclusion of 7 players who were in the technical staff's considerations until the last moment. Arnold's decisions were clear: harmony and physical and tactical readiness over names, and even the "family culture" has limits when it comes to selecting 26 names for the World Cup.

Dario Namo, the young left-back, was one of the surprises in the Spain camp and participated for the first time in the Iraq jersey against Andorra. Arnold gave him the opportunity to test his character under pressure, but the fierce competition for the right-back position with Mustafa Saadoun and Hussein Ali settled the matter.

Dario has excellent offensive capabilities, but Arnold preferred backs more suitable for defensive duties, especially since the group includes world-class wings. 

Kamil's name was a surprise in the initial lists, as a young goalkeeper with excellent stature and quick reflexes. But Arnold went with the experience of the three goalkeepers: Jalal Hassan, Fahd Talib, and Ahmed Basel. The trio has more international experience and the ability to handle World Cup pressure. Kamil's exclusion was purely for technical reasons related to experience, but he entered the circle of interest.

Peter Georges, the winger who plays in the Iraqi league with Duhok Club, was one of Arnold's offensive cards in the trials. He has a distinguished left foot and good vision. But the density of players in his position with Ibrahim Bayesh, Youssef Amin, and Ahmed Qasim made the competition tough. Arnold chose the most physically ready names and those most integrated with the idea of direct play and quick transitions. Peter will return strongly after the World Cup.

Maytham Jabbar, the young center-back from the local league with Al-Zawraa Club, was among Arnold's options to cover the center-back position. But Arnold settled on the quartet: Rebin Solaka, Zaid Tahseen, Akam Hashem, and Munaf Younis. Akam imposed himself strongly in the Arab Cup and playoffs, and Rebin and Munaf have international experience. Maytham needs a stable season with his club to come back strong, and the door is open for him.

Youssef Al-Nasrawi, the young striker, played his first international match against Andorra and made a good presence. But Arnold decided to rely on the offensive trio: Ayman Hussein, Mohannad Ali, and Ali Youssef. Ayman is the top scorer, Mohannad has speed and experience, and Ali Youssef presented his credentials with his first international goal. Youssef Al-Nasrawi is a project for a future striker, and the coach preferred to give him time to mature rather than burn him in a tough World Cup.

Ahmed Maknzi, the full-back, was excluded from the calculations. Arnold is building a young, fast team that relies on pressure and transitions, and physical differences played a role. Ahmed Hassan will remain a distinguished player, but the World Cup requires higher dynamics in the full-back position.

Hassan Abdulkarim, the skillful winger, was absent from the final list despite being a key element in previous periods. Arnold prefers fast wingers who defend and support the backs, like Ali Jassim and Marco Faraj. Repeated injuries and not reaching 100% of his physical readiness were the decisive factors. The exclusion is painful for the fans, but it's a technical decision seeking a balance between skill and fitness.