Arnold: Playing the Return Leg in Basra Doesn't Give Iraq the Edge Over "Al-Abyad

Iraq's national football team coach Graham Arnold says both teams have equal chances as Iraq prepares to face the UAE in the crucial Asian playoff matches for the 2026 World Cup. The Australian coach dismissed suggestions that playing the second leg at home in Basra gives Iraq any real advantage.

Speaking at a press conference, Arnold emphasized that both matches carry equal weight. "These are extremely important games, and we feel optimistic before the first leg. The team is completely ready for both matches," he said.

The coach made it clear he doesn't see home advantage as decisive. "I don't think Iraq has an advantage just because we're playing the second leg in Basra. This stage uses a home-and-away format, so we need to prepare for each match separately. We must focus on the first leg first, then think about the return match."

Arnold selected 24 players for the two-match series, highlighting the team's attacking options including Ayman Hussein and Mohannad Ali. When asked about UAE coach Olario Kozmin's comments about studying Iraq's team, Arnold responded matter-of-factly: "That's natural. I've done the same thing - studied every detail about the UAE team. What matters most is that we stay completely focused and mentally present during the match."

The mental aspect weighs heavily on Arnold's mind. "The psychological side is very important. This is the first time Iraq's national team has reached this stage of qualifying, so we must give everything we have and fight to keep our World Cup hopes alive."

Arnold also criticized the draw system, noting both teams faced similar challenges. "The draw system wasn't good. The UAE understands this, especially since they faced the same problem in the previous qualifying round - they played in Qatar while we played in Saudi Arabia, which gave advantages to the host countries."

Iraqi player Amir Al-Ammari echoed his coach's confidence. "Our ambitions are high and we have great confidence in getting the ticket to the next qualifying stage," he said. Al-Ammari stressed that the Lions of Mesopotamia will fight for victory, praising Iraq's passionate fanbase.

The stakes couldn't be higher. Iraq hasn't qualified for a World Cup since 1986, making this playoff series a potential turning point for Iraqi football. The winner of this two-leg tie advances to the intercontinental playoff, moving one step closer to the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Both teams finished third in their respective Asian qualifying groups, setting up this winner-takes-all confrontation. The expanded 2026 World Cup format gives Asian teams more qualifying spots, but competition remains fierce across the continent.