Graham Arnold: Iraq can shock the world at the 2026 World Cup

Iraq head coach Graham Arnold believes his side can pull off something historic at the 2026 World Cup, declaring they are "capable of doing something that will shock the world" (1). The tournament marks Iraq's first World Cup appearance in 40 years, and Arnold, an Australian, has guided the team through a remarkable journey to get here. The buildup has not been without drama, striker Aymen Hussein was reportedly detained at an airport for seven hours and a team photographer was denied entry, but Arnold's focus remains on the pitch. Iraq recently faced Spain in a pre-tournament friendly in A Coruna, and the Lions of Mesopotamia now carry the hopes of a nation into football's biggest stage.