A Scandinavian Recipe by Arnold to Defeat Norway

Graham Arnold is preparing a special 'Scandinavian' themed plan before Iraq's launch in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Australian coach is betting on his players' familiarity with the Northern European environment to surprise Norway at one o'clock in the morning on Wednesday, in the first match for the Lions of Mesopotamia in Group Nine, which also includes France and Senegal. After Norway, Iraq will meet the French team on June 23, and then conclude against Senegal on June 26.

The importance of the opening match is very significant for Iraq. Winning it will open the road wide towards the dream of qualification, especially if the team succeeds in snatching an additional point from the confrontations with France and Senegal. Therefore, Arnold is focusing on the details of this match more than any other.

The coach feels very comfortable because a large number of the national team players have lived and excelled in Scandinavian leagues. Sweden, Norway, and Denmark are no longer unknown lands to them. This will give him an advantage, as the style of play of Norway and the clubs there is not unfamiliar to them after having faced Norwegian teams or played professionally there previously.

Based on this, Arnold will strongly rely on the 'Sons of Scandinavia' in the lineup. The most prominent names: Imar Sher, Marco Faraj, Amir Al-Amari, Ahmed Qasim, Rebin Sulaka, Hussein Ali, and Kevin Jacob. For them, the match is like a special derby, and their experience with the nature of physical play and high speeds there will be an important tactical weapon.

In the backline, Arnold is preparing a special recipe to contain Erling Haaland. The idea is based on physical strength and tackles, led by Zaid Tahseen, Akam Hashim, and Rebin Sulaka. Expectations indicate that Iraq will start with a 5-defender plan to close the depth and spaces in front of Norway's top scorer, relying on counter-attacks and exploiting the wings' speed for a quick transition.

In a step reflecting stability, the President of the Iraqi Federation, Younis Mahmoud, arrived in the United States to support the mission. Most importantly: the decision to renew Graham Arnold's contract for the next three years has been finalized, regardless of the World Cup results, confirming confidence in his long-term project.