Will Iraq hold a training camp in Germany? What is the fate of Graham Arnold?

The Iraqi Football Association has begun outlining a new and intensive preparatory phase for the Lions of Mesopotamia, with a strong focus on Europe to hold high-quality training camps. This comes as the chances of Australian head coach Graham Arnold remaining in charge are diminishing.

Iraqi football officials have revealed that the federation, led by Younis Mahmoud, is currently working on a comprehensive roadmap to prepare the national team for the upcoming year 2027, aiming to take advantage of the international break periods in March and June to hold high-level external training camps.

Germany is at the top of the list of strong candidates to host the Iraq national team's training camp in Europe, driven by the federation's management's intentions to establish cooperation agreements and a technical partnership with the German Football Association and the Bundesliga. The federation has also identified Portugal and Scotland as alternative European options, with a diligent effort to secure friendly matches against advanced football schools to enhance the technical and physical levels of the players, in preparation for competing against the continent's top teams, led by the Australian national team.

There are indications from within the Iraqi Football Association's executive office of a gradual and significant decline in the stock of Australian coach Graham Arnold; the voices supporting the renewal of his contract have begun to wane due to the fluctuating performances of the Lions of Mesopotamia in recent times, and the increasing intensity of criticism directed at his tactical choices and management style during matches.

The prevailing trend is now leaning towards closing the chapter on Arnold following the conclusion of the Basra Four-Nation Friendly Championship, and searching for a new captain with extensive World Cup experience and a history of positive results in the World Cup finals. There is no requirement for this new figure to have been present in the latest edition, with hopes of overcoming the severe financial crisis faced by the federation by securing the necessary government support to finalize this major deal.

The national team is currently in a training camp in Basra for the four-nation friendly tournament alongside Iran, Palestine, and Lebanon from November 13 to 17. This tournament has shifted from a direct preparatory stage for the Asian Cup to a real testing ground to provide a full opportunity for young players and to rebuild the team for the future.