Scouting intel
compiled 2026-06-21 · SonarSquad value
€21.20m
Coach
Graham Arnold
Form (last 5)
DWLWL
Key players
Osama RashidCM · Experienced playmaker, tempo and set-pieces€1.2m
Aymen HusseinCF · Physical focal point, strong box presence€1.0m
Hussein AliAM/W · Creative link player between lines, dribbler€900k
Bashar ResanCM/AM · High work-rate midfielder, progressive passing€900k
Shape: Iraq generally line up in a compact 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 under Graham Arnold, prioritising defensive organisation and vertical attacks in transition. Full-backs are cautious, with creativity mostly channelled through central midfield and the number 10 zone rather than wide overloads.
Numbers: Underlying numbers from recent Asian competition show Iraq creating moderate expected goals while keeping games tight, reflecting a low-to-mid block side relying on efficiency rather than volume of chances. Defensively their xG against tends to be controlled when protecting a lead but rises when they are forced to chase matches.
Key updates
- ▸Graham Arnold appointed to lead Iraq into their second-ever FIFA World Cup, bringing his tournament experience and pragmatic game model.
- ▸FIFA announcement confirms a 34-man preliminary squad with veteran goalkeeper Jalal Hassan returning as captain before final trimming.
- ▸Olympics and FIFA previews highlight Iraq’s tough group versus France, Norway and Senegal in their first World Cup since 1986.
- ▸Squad list stability from Asian qualifying into the World Cup, with core spine retained around Hassan, Rashid, Resan and Aymen Hussein.