Iraq head coach Graham Arnold said his team entered the tournament with strong focus and a clear ambition to compete for the title after arriving in Jeddah fully prepared for the challenge.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of the Oman game, Arnold highlighted the experience within the squad, noting that several players have previously featured at the World Cup. He also praised the young members of the team, describing them as talented players with considerable potential.
Arnold stressed that Iraq possess the technical ability and quality needed to compete for the championship, emphasizing that the team’s objective extends beyond simply securing wins in individual matches.
He confirmed that Ali Al-Hamadi will be unavailable for the match due to injury, while the rest of the squad is fully fit and ready from both technical and physical perspectives.
On Oman, Arnold described them as a strong and experienced team with a good record of competing in major tournaments. He added that studying opponents is an essential part of preparation, but his main focus remains on ensuring Iraq are fully prepared for the upcoming match.
