Arnold prepares three surprises for his rivals in the Gulf Cup

Australia's Graham Arnold, the head coach of Iraq, is preparing three major surprises for his opponents in the Gulf Cup 'Gulf 27' in Saudi Arabia, which will start next Wednesday. The Lions of Mesopotamia will face Oman in their opening match in a tournament that enjoys significant public interest.

Iraq will compete in Group A alongside host nation Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait. The national team delegation is scheduled to head to Saudi Arabia next Sunday to begin preparations there and play their first match three days later.

Arnold's squad for the tournament includes several players who have never represented Iraq, as the coach decided to refresh the team's roster, especially since he excluded 12 players from the squad that participated in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Australian coach Haydeer Abdulkareem will take charge of his first Gulf Cup in his coaching career, as the Iraq national team is the first team he has coached after his home country Australia. He has previously experienced the FIFA World Cup and the AFC Asian Cup.

Arnold is preparing to surprise his rivals Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait with players expected to get a full opportunity, especially since the coach wants to have an expanded squad of ready players for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2027.

Austrian player Youssef Al-Nasrawi is one of the key assets in Arnold's squad for the Gulf Cup, especially as the young player excels in playmaking, midfield, and wing positions.

The 19-year-old Al Nassr player has made 5 appearances out of 6 since the start of the season in the Austrian league, scoring one goal and providing two assists. He represents an important solution in midfield, and the coaching staff will give him the appropriate role to surprise everyone with his performances.

Al Nassr player Haydeer Abdulkareem has successfully convinced the Australian coach to give him the chance to wear the Iraq shirt, despite not participating with his team.

Haydeer Abdulkareem, 22, has not played any matches in various competitions with Al Nassr this season, but he knows the Saudi Pro League well and is familiar with the players' levels, playing styles, and the atmosphere of the stadiums there. Therefore, he will serve as the 'Arnold Eye' in Saudi Arabia and is among the anticipated surprises in the tournament.

Nashville SC winger Ahmed Qasem is considered one of the promising players expected to deliver great performances for Iraq, especially since his joining the ranks of the Black Falcons came with the full conviction of Arnold.

Despite Ahmed Qasem's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the matches leading up to the tournament, he has not yet shown all that he has to offer. He is waiting for more time and opportunities to confirm that he is the right choice for the right wing position, and he could be one of the standout surprises of the tournament.

The Iraq national team delegation will head to Jeddah tomorrow, Sunday, with all local players participating, while the professionals will join on the same day. The team will conduct its first training session in preparation for the match against Oman in the opening of the Gulf journey on Wednesday.