Iraq coach Graham Arnold has explained his distinctive approach to team management at the 2026 World Cup, deliberately avoiding morning training sessions to respect his squad's cultural and religious practices. Having spent approximately eight months in Baghdad to understand the country's context, Arnold noted that players typically sleep until 11 a.m. and observe five daily prayers.
"They are not robots," Arnold told L'Equipe. "I had to learn from them, not the other way around." Arnold credited his team's discipline: "What surprised me most was their dedication." He emphasized that adapting to the players' lifestyle has proven crucial for squad cohesion.
Iraq currently sits last in Group I following a 4-1 defeat to Norway in their opening fixture. The team faces France on June 23 and Senegal on June 26 in their remaining group-stage matches.
→ Next match preview: France — Iraq