Graham Arnold announces Iraq squad for Basra friendly tournament

In a move eagerly awaited by Iraqi sports fans, Australian head coach Graham Arnold announced the final squad for the Lions of Mesopotamia that will compete in the anticipated Basra friendly tournament, amid widespread public anticipation to see the new tactical imprint of the Iraqi team on the turf of Al-Jaz'aa Stadium.

Iraqi fans are set for a thrilling football encounter as Iraq opens its campaign in the tournament against Lebanon. The winner of this match will advance to face the victor of the other fierce clash between Iran and Palestine in the anticipated Final.

Graham Arnold has called up 29 players to represent the Iraq national team in the friendly tournament.

Goalkeepers: Ahmed Basel, Kamil Al-Rakabi, Mohammed Saleh, Hussein Hasan.

Defence: Adam Rasheed, Karrar Amer, Akam Hashem, Josef Al-Imam, Ibrahim Bayesh, Merchas Doski, Ahmed Yahya, Siaband Akid.

Midfield: Zaid Ismail, Amir Al-Ammari, Zidane Iqbal, Haydeer Abdulkareem, Aimar Sher, Amoori Faisal, Mohammed Qassim.

Forward line: Peter Gwargis, Montader Al-Majed, Marko Farji, Hiran Ahmed, Ahmed Aiad, Hussein Ali, Aymen Hussein, Saif Rasheed, Younes Hamoud.

This expanded list reflects Graham Arnold's serious desire to try out all available players and test the tactical harmony between the team members before the upcoming official commitments.