The Iraq national team, under coach Graham Arnold, is preparing for the Gulf Cup 27 with the aim of winning the title for the first time since 1988. Their campaign begins with a Group A opener against Oman on Wednesday at King Abdulaziz Sports City in Jeddah.
Preparation comes with a reshaped squad featuring nine new additions, including 17 domestic-based players, blending experience with emerging young talent. Striker Ali al-Hamadi has been ruled out injured, while Youssef al-Nasrawi is expected to join training on Tuesday.
Focus on the Future
Arnold stated the team is entering a new phase with changes to technical staff and players, focused on future development and modernising its tactical structure. The Australian coach said: "We have the skills needed to win, and this is an important tournament for Iraqi football to continue developing." The squad benefits from the experience of World Cup participants, led by captain Ayman Hussein.
Recalling Recent History
The team recalls its last meeting with Oman, a 1-1 draw on 23 September, where Mohammed Qasim scored for Iraq. They also remember the historic 3-2 extra-time victory over Oman in the 2023 final in Basra, which delivered Iraq's fourth Gulf Cup title.
Iraq enters the tournament sitting 4th in World Cup qualifying with 0 points from three games. Fans can follow the team's path via our fixtures and squad pages.
Drawn in Group A with Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, the top two teams will advance to the semi-finals. The team will wear an all-white kit for all group stage matches, with their opener kicking off at 5:30 p.m. Baghdad time.
The squad concludes its preparations in Jeddah with just two days of training, ready to deliver a performance worthy of the Iraqi national team and its expectant supporters.
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Iraq beat Kuwait 3-2 in their second Gulf Cup group stage match on 26 September 2026. Zidane Iqbal (52'), Safaa Rasheed (83') and Karar Nabeel (90+9') scored for the team. The victory marked Iraq's first win in their last five matches.
Saudi Arabia reached the Gulf Cup semi-finals after beating Oman 3-0 in Jeddah on 27 September 2026, the Saudi federation announced. Feras Al Buraikan scored twice. Saudi Arabia will face Iraq in the final Group A match on Tuesday. Iraq, who are fourth in World Cup qualifying with zero points, need just one point from their match against Oman on Wednesday to progress.
