Iraq head coach Arnold calls World Cup group an 'excitement group'

AMMAN, Jordan — Iraq national team head coach Graham Arnold has described the country's 2026 FIFA World Cup group, which includes Norway, France and Senegal, as an "excitement group" rather than a "group of death." The Australian coach, 62, told The Guardian that the team qualified for the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada after a 28-month, 21-match qualifying campaign and that his players can perform better at the finals than they did in qualifying. Arnold recounted a qualifying journey that included a 28-hour bus ride from Baghdad to Amman during clashes between the United States and Iran, followed by travel to Monterrey, Mexico. He also said striker Ayman Hussein was questioned by the FBI in the United States, and that the team secured its World Cup ticket with a 2-1 win over Bolivia. "Everyone expects us to lose all three matches, so there is no pressure on us. We will be brave on the pitch," Arnold said. He added that facing Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé and Sadio Mané would be an honor.