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Iraq's national team coach, Graham Arnold, insists his squad's World Cup dreams remain alive despite a 3-0 defeat to France in their second group stage match. The game was delayed by over two hours due to adverse weather conditions, marking the second consecutive fixture where Iraq conceded multiple goals to elite global strikers. Previously, Erling Haaland of Norway netted twice against the Iraqis in a 4-1 victory. The Australian tactician is now focused on Iraq's crucial final group stage match at the 2026 World Cup against Senegal on Friday, with his team's hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds hanging in the balance.
“Now it’s all about Senegal. With eight third-placed teams going through, you know, we still have a chance.”
Graham Arnold praised his players' first-half performance – despite Mbappé's opening goal – but lamented how the lengthy delay seemed to disrupt their rhythm.
“There was nothing I could do other than probably show a little bit more footage from the first half at halftime to point out where France was hurting us. Rather, the players just had to sit down, relax, and stay calm, and then prepare themselves when we got back on the field,” explained the Iraq national team head coach.
Graham Arnold openly expressed nothing but admiration for Mbappé's exceptional performance.
“He’s an incredible footballer. His speed is unstoppable. And that’s why we defended a bit deeper than usual, because if you leave open spaces and Mbappé is that fast, then he will destroy you,” Arnold stated.
With Haaland and Mbappé now on the scoresheet against Iraq, the coach anticipates an intriguing battle ahead.
“Haaland scores goals, Messi obviously scores goals, and Mbappé does too. So it’s going to be a very good competition between those three players for the leading goal scorer,” Graham Arnold concluded.
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