Iraq Faces France in World Cup After Loss, Mulls Goalkeeper Change
The Iraqi national football team is in Philadelphia to face France in a 2026 World Cup group match after a 4-1 loss to Norway. Coach Graham Arnold joked about using three goalkeepers to stop France’s attack but confirmed the request was denied. Injuries to right-back Hussein Ali and winger Ali Jasim cast doubt on their availability. Arnold is considering replacing shaky goalkeeper Jalal Hassan with Ahmed Basil. Iraq seeks redemption after their opening defeat.
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Iraq Coach Arnold: Domestic League Level Determines National Team Strength After 0-5 World Cup Defeat to Senegal
Iraq national team head coach Arnold held a press conference after a 0-5 loss to Senegal in the World Cup. He expressed regret, noting that an early red card was a psychological blow and that 9 of the 11 goals Iraq conceded in the tournament came from individual errors. Arnold emphasized that the strength of a national team depends on the domestic league level, as players rarely face top-tier opponents. He praised Iraqi fans for their support but acknowledged the gap between Iraq and teams like Senegal, France, and Norway. Despite the poor results, he considered qualifying for the World Cup a miracle and hoped the players would learn and improve professionalism. Arnold also stated that Asian domestic leagues need more investment and infrastructure.
虎扑 - 足球Iraq coach Graham Arnold: Nothing to lose against Senegal, aiming for first World Cup point
Iraq head coach Graham Arnold held a pre-match press conference ahead of the final group stage match against Senegal at the 2026 World Cup. He emphasized that Iraq has 'nothing to lose and everything to gain' in this match, with the goal of earning Iraq's first-ever World Cup point and making history. Arnold highlighted the importance of discipline, both on and off the field, in the team's growth. He noted that despite losses to France and Norway, the experience of competing against top European players has boosted the team's belief. Arnold praised Iraq's football-obsessed fan culture and described the tournament as politically unifying. He also discussed the need for improved resources and academies in Iraqi football and addressed his own contract situation, which has about five to six weeks remaining. The team plans to play proactively and aggressively against the African champions Senegal.
虎扑 - 足球Iraq Coach Previews World Cup Match vs Senegal: 'Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain'
Iraq national football team head coach Graham Arnold addressed the media ahead of the final World Cup group stage match against Senegal, where both teams have lost their first two games. Arnold emphasized that despite being eliminated, Iraq aims to win its first ever World Cup point. He praised his players' discipline and mental readiness, acknowledged the need for better resources and youth development in Iraq, and discussed the passion of Iraqi football fans. Arnold also noted his contract expires in 5-6 weeks and that talks about his future will wait until after the tournament. He sent condolences to France coach Didier Deschamps for the passing of his mother. The match represents an opportunity for Iraq to make history, with players motivated by national pride and family.
虎扑 - 足球Iraq coach insists chance remains to reach World Cup round of 32 after France loss
After a 3-0 loss to France in Philadelphia on Monday, Iraq's manager Graham Arnold insists his team still has a chance to advance to the World Cup round of 32. The match was delayed two hours by severe weather. Kylian Mbappe scored a brace for France, adding to the damage after Erling Haaland had also scored twice for Norway in Iraq's opening 4-1 defeat. Iraq finish group play against Senegal on Friday in Toronto. Arnold noted that with eight third-place playoff spots available, a win against Senegal could still see Iraq through. He praised Mbappe's speed and power, and lamented a second-half goalkeeping error that gifted France their second goal. The article includes Arnold's detailed reflections on tactics, the weather delay, and the team's resilience.
Yardbarker: SoccerIraq Coach Jokes About Using Three Goalkeepers to Stop Mbappé Before France Match
In a pre-match press conference ahead of the World Cup group stage match between Iraq and France, Iraq head coach Graham Arnold addressed the media alongside forward Ayman Hussein. Arnold praised the team's high energy and atmosphere, calling the match a great opportunity for his players to showcase their abilities. When asked how to stop France star Kylian Mbappé, Arnold jokingly replied that he asked if the team could field three goalkeepers but was denied. He expressed respect for French coach Didier Deschamps and acknowledged France's quality. Arnold highlighted the team's locker room cleanup after a match in Boston as a sign of respect for Iraq. He confirmed all players are available, including goalkeeper Hassan, and emphasized his philosophy of playing to win rather than avoiding defeat. The coach also noted that visa issues for travel to the U.S. have been resolved and that Iraqi fans are providing strong support.
虎扑 - 足球Iraq Coach Jokes About Playing Three Goalkeepers to Stop France Attack
Graham Arnold, the Australian coach of the Iraqi national team, joked on Sunday that he asked if he could 'play three goalkeepers' to counter France's attacking power in their upcoming World Cup Group I match on Monday in Philadelphia. Arnold, who previously coached Australia against France in the 2022 World Cup (a 4-1 loss), praised French coach Didier Deschamps as 'a great man' and noted his players' affection for him. Iraq currently sits last in Group I after a 4-1 defeat to Norway, while France is second with a 3-1 win over Senegal. Despite the challenge, Arnold emphasized his team will focus on their own performance and show the world what they can do.
Home Football - actualitésWorld Cup 2026: Iraq May Start Second Goalkeeper Against France After Heavy Defeat
According to Foot Mercato citing L'Équipe, the Iraqi national football team is considering a goalkeeper change ahead of its second 2026 World Cup match against France on Monday, June 22. Coach Graham Arnold is reportedly planning to start Ahmed Basil (29, 15 caps) instead of Jalal Hassan (35, 99 caps), who was deemed disappointing after Iraq's heavy 1-4 defeat to Norway. Additionally, right-back Hussein Ali (neck injury) and left-winger Ali Jasim did not participate in Saturday's training and remain uncertain for the match. The game is a key Group stage fixture for Iraq as they seek to recover from their opening loss.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertIraq Coach Graham Arnold Jokes About Three Goalkeepers Ahead of France World Cup Match
Iraq head coach Graham Arnold appeared relaxed in a press conference ahead of their World Cup match against France on Monday. Arnold joked about asking for permission to use three goalkeepers, given France's offensive strength, but confirmed the request was denied. He praised the opportunity for his players to face a top-tier team for the first time in 40 years. Striker Aymen Hussein expressed dissatisfaction with their 4-1 defeat to Norway and vowed a spirited performance. Left winger Ali Jassim is set to return from a groin injury. Arnold has not decided whether to replace starting goalkeeper Jalal Hassan after his shaky performance against Norway; backup Ahmed Basil is ready.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuIraq Mulls Goalkeeper Change Ahead of France Clash; Two Starters Injured
The Iraqi national football team arrived in Philadelphia on Saturday, one day before the French team, to prepare for their World Cup match on Monday evening. During their final training session in West Virginia, right-back Hussein Ali did not train due to a neck injury, and left winger Ali Jasim sat out with adductor issues. Both are uncertain to play against France. Additionally, head coach Graham Arnold is considering a goalkeeper change after starter Jalal Hassan showed signs of nervousness in Iraq's 1-4 loss to Norway in their opener. Ahmed Basil is on standby to replace him. Arnold will address the press on Sunday ahead of France coach Didier Deschamps.
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