Iraq to Host Four-Nation Friendly Tournament in Basra Ahead of Asian Cup

The Iraqi national team intends to take advantage of the upcoming international break by organizing a four-nation friendly tournament, as part of their preparation for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, which will be hosted in Saudi Arabia early next year. The "Lions of Mesopotamia" are seeking to achieve the highest possible readiness before entering continental competitions.

Iraq has been drawn into Group D of the Asian Cup alongside Australia, Tajikistan, and Singapore. They will kick off their campaign against Tajikistan on January 10, followed by a clash with Australia on January 14, and will conclude the group stage with a match against Singapore on January 19.

Sources have reported that the Iraqi Football Association has decided to hold the four-nation tournament at Basra International Stadium from November 9 to 17. The association has already begun contacting several Asian federations to participate in the event, which is part of the national team's preparation program.

Sources have confirmed that the Iranian national team was the first to accept the invitation, eager to engage in a strong training camp and avoid the friendly match crisis it faced before the 2026 World Cup due to regional circumstances.

The Iraqi Football Federation has communicated with its Uzbek counterpart and received a preliminary agreement, awaiting official confirmation through formal correspondence. The Uzbek national team is considered one of the top teams in the continent following its notable improvement and recent qualification for the World Cup.

The federation is currently working to finalize the identity of the fourth national team, with negotiations taking place with several East Asian teams. The coaching staff, led by Graham Arnold, prefers to face a team that has a playing style similar to that of Singapore, one of Iraq's opponents in the Asian group stage.

The federation has yet to confirm the final format of the tournament, whether it will be held in a single round league system or a knockout format. Meanwhile, maintenance and rehabilitation work at Basra International Stadium continues after delays of about three months due to administrative procedures, in preparation for hosting the matches.