Iraq Hub
Iraq kicks off Girona camp ahead of World Cup 2026
Australian coach Graham Arnold announced that Iraq will start its camp in Girona, Spain on July 22, with three friendlies serving as preparation for the 2026 World Cup. An initial squad of 33 players has been named, and a final 26‑man roster will be revealed on July 1.
What is the training plan?
Arnold said the camp will last a week in Girona before moving to La Coruña on July 2 to face Spain on July 4. Afterwards the team heads to Chicago for a friendly against Venezuela on July 9. The goal is to test mental and physical readiness before shifting to western Virginia for the tournament group stage.
Who will feature in the friendlies?
The provisional list includes 33 names, among them stars like Ali Abdullah and Saif Al‑Din Khalil. It will be trimmed to 26 players by July 1, with the final squad announced before the La Coruña camp. Arnold is focusing on those who show high readiness in training.
How will this affect Iraq’s World Cup performance?
Playing three friendlies gives Iraq a chance to experiment with different tactics before the finals, especially since some nations only play one warm‑up match. Arnold noted the camp will reveal players mentally and physically prepared to face top opponents.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Last result | France 3‑0 Iraq (2026‑06‑22) |
| Recent form (5) | 0 W‑1 D‑4 L |
What challenges lie ahead?
Group 9 contains France, Senegal and Norway. Iraq will settle in western Virginia to gear up for tough group matches. Arnold expressed excitement about playing against Haaland, Mbappé and Mané, insisting these games will showcase Iraqi talent on the world stage.
What does this mean for fans?
The camp offers supporters a glimpse of the national team’s preparation before the tournament. With friendlies in Spain and the United States, fans can follow player performances and assess readiness.
Bottom line
The Girona camp marks the first step of Iraq’s journey toward World Cup 2026. If Arnold uses the time to strengthen the squad, the team could deliver a strong showing in Group 9.
