Graham Arnold, 62, the Australian coach who guided Iraq to their first World Cup since 1986, expressed confidence in his team's prospects despite an unprecedented qualification odyssey. "Now it's time to show the world what we've got," Arnold said, reflecting on the 28-month, 21-game journey through four qualifying rounds that culminated in a 117th-minute playoff penalty.
Arnold took the Iraqi post in May 2025 after stepping down as Australia coach, describing himself as a "football nut" who relishes coaching challenges. He navigated extreme obstacles: coaching from Dubai as war erupted nearby, managing a team initially trapped in Baghdad and Jordan amid missile fire, and overcoming last-minute obstacles including squad members detained by US authorities and a photographer turned back at the border.
The 62-year-old acknowledged initial family concerns about taking the role. "At first the family wasn't that supportive and friends were worried because of the perception of Iraq," he noted, adding that the qualification achievement represents generations of hope for Iraqi football supporters.