Mohammed Jawad criticizes Graham Arnold for not calling him up

Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya's top scorer Mohammed Jawad has criticized Iraq's Australian coach Graham Arnold for excluding him from the final squad for the Black Lions participating in the Arab Cup "Gulf 27" in Saudi Arabia, which will kick off next Wednesday.

The Iraqi forward was included in the preliminary list for the national team but was ultimately dropped by the Australian coach at the last moment, as he preferred to rely on the attacking line consisting of Pakhtakor's striker Ayman Hussein, Sheffield's forward Ali Al-Hamadi, and the talented Al Talaba forward Saif Rasheed.

Mohammed Jawad, 30, has been performing exceptionally well for Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya since the start of the current season in the Iraq Stars League, having participated in all 8 matches so far. He has managed to score 5 goals and provide 1 assist, competing strongly for the top scorer title in the tournament.

Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya striker Saif Rasheed Hameed expressed his frustration over not being called up to the Iraq national team in media statements: "I don't know the answer to why I haven't been selected for the Iraq national team. When I get a real opportunity, they will realize my ability to secure my place in the team. But if I'm only given one half, how can they expect me to make a difference? Even Messi wouldn't achieve anything in just one half."

Mohammed Jawad stated: "I have been wronged twice since joining the Iraq national team, but the attention from the sports community and the discussions about my case are enough to motivate me to continue. I will not stop and will keep delivering my best performances until I get the opportunity I deserve, and even with Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, I only showed my abilities after at least 3 rounds."

Mohammed Jawad featured for the Iraq national team in the Arab Cup in Qatar 2025, where he came on as a substitute in 3 matches, totaling 113 minutes, without being able to score, before Arnold decided not to call him up again.

Mohammed Jawad has played 70 matches for Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, scoring 31 goals in various competitions. He has represented the Falcons since the 2024-2025 season after transferring from Al Najaf following an exceptional season.

Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya are heavily relying on their striker, who was one of the main reasons for the team's success in winning the Iraq Stars League in the 2025-2026 season after scoring a number of crucial goals that turned the tide in favor of the Falcons on many occasions.