Iraq's Fatal Mistakes in the World Cup: Intimidation or Lack of Experience?

The Iraqi national team is experiencing a crisis of fatal individual mistakes in its World Cup 2026 journey in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Individual lapses have cost the team two heavy defeats: 4-1 against Norway and 3-0 against France, putting them in a difficult position, nearing an exit from the tournament through the narrow door.

In the match against Norway, Erling Haaland capitalized on a blunder by goalkeeper Jalal Hassan to open the scoring. Against France, the scenario repeated with an inaccurate pass from Zaid Tahseen to goalkeeper Ahmed Basel, exploited by Ousmane Dembele to pass to Kylian Mbappe, who doubled the score. Two simple mistakes, but the world's stars show no mercy.

Former international star Saad Qais spoke to 'win' and said: 'Iraq showed remarkable courage against Norway and France, and we delivered an acceptable performance contrary to the fans' fears of humiliating defeats. The team imposed its personality and style under the leadership of Graham Arnold.'

However, Qais reiterated: 'The problem was the devastating mistakes against Norway and France. The main reason is the intimidation that struck the players, causing mental confusion and focusing on the opponent's name instead of the team's performance. On paper, we were expected to lose, but after the courage we saw, our ambitions have risen.'

Regarding the upcoming crucial encounter, he explained: 'The match against Senegal does not accept half-solutions. If we want to compete for the qualifying ticket, we must win. The Lions of Mesopotamia need tactical discipline and tight defensive organization while exploiting the clear defensive gaps in Senegal. I believe Iraq is capable of returning with a positive result.'

Qais also opened the file for the future: 'I will not discuss Arnold's current choices, but after the World Cup, the coach must restructure the lineup. We must push for elements that make a technical difference and exclude those who have proven unable to bear the national team's emblem.'

Iraq is at the bottom of Group Nine with no points. Senegal is ahead by goal difference despite losing 3-1 to France and 3-2 to Norway. The confrontation between them will take place in Canada next Friday evening at ten o'clock Baghdad and Mecca time.