Iraq coach Graham Arnold says the Lions of Mesopotamia are ready to “shock the world” as they stand one win away from a first World Cup appearance in 40 years.
Iraq will face either Bolivia or Suriname in the FIFA Play-Off Final in Monterrey on March 31, with a ticket to the FIFA World Cup at stake.
“We’re going to play without fear, shock the world and enjoy it,” Arnold told FIFA.
The match will be Iraq’s 21st qualifier of a demanding campaign as they chase a first World Cup berth since 1986. Arnold, who resigned as Australia coach in September 2024 and took charge of Iraq in May 2025, is also bidding to become the first AFC coach to lead two different nations to the global finals.
Iraq narrowly missed automatic qualification after finishing level with Saudi Arabia on points, before edging the United Arab Emirates via a dramatic 107th-minute penalty in the fifth round.
Should they qualify, Iraq would join France, Senegal and Norway in Group I.
Arnold, 62, has based himself in Baghdad and introduced tactical discipline and a social media ban in camp to limit distractions. He insists Iraq will not be overawed.
“All the pressure is on France, Norway and Senegal. The pressure is not on Iraq,” he said. “When we get there, we’ve got nothing to lose.”
