The Iraqi Football Association has announced a comprehensive preparation program for the national team, in anticipation of the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Member of the association, Ghaleb Al-Zamli, stated that the first gathering for the team will be held in Basra at the end of May, with the training camp commencing after the conclusion of the local league on the 27th of the same month. The team is scheduled to depart for Spain to play a friendly match on June 4, with a possible encounter against the Portugal national team during the camp.
Details of the Event
Al-Zamli indicated that the squad heading to Spain will include both local and professional players, as everyone will undergo an intensive preparation program before heading to the United States for final preparations. The Iraqi team will begin its journey in the tournament by facing the Norway national team on June 17, as part of Group 9, which also includes France and Senegal.
He also revealed efforts to organize a second friendly match against an African team or one of the clubs in Spain, aiming to enhance readiness before facing Senegal. He confirmed that anticipated government support will provide the necessary resources for ideal preparation, emphasizing that this participation represents a historic return for Iraq to the World Cup after a 40-year absence since its last appearance in the Mexico edition.
Background & Context
In the same context, the president of the association, Adnan Darjal, announced that the team will play three friendly matches against strong teams as part of the preparation program. He explained that actual preparations will commence with the gathering of players on May 25, under the supervision of Australian coach Graham Arnold.
Darjal noted that the training camp will last for three weeks, during which at least two friendly matches will be played, with efforts to secure a third match against a world-class team, commensurate with the challenge of the tournament. He mentioned that one of the matches could be held in Baghdad if conditions permit, while other matches will take place abroad, including a potential encounter in Europe and another being sought in the United States, in addition to ongoing communication with the Spanish Football Association to arrange a friendly match there.
Impact & Consequences
Darjal added that the squad list remains open, with no restrictions on calling up players, whether from the Iraqi league or professionals abroad, confirming that selection is available according to the coaching staff's vision. It is noteworthy that the Iraqi national team secured its qualification for the 2026 World Cup after defeating the Bolivia national team with a score of 2-1 in the global playoff match held in Monterrey.
These preparations reflect the ambitions of the Iraqi national team to return to the global stage, striving for positive results in the tournament, which may contribute to enhancing its status in Asian football.
Regional Significance
The participation of the Iraqi national team in the World Cup is an important event not only for Iraq but for the entire Arab region, as this participation reflects the development of football in Arab countries. The success of the team may encourage other nations to invest in developing their sports.
In conclusion, this preparation program represents an important step towards fulfilling the dreams of Iraqi fans to see their team shine on the biggest stages of world football.