Iraq face Bolivia in crucial FIFA World Cup Playoff

BAGHDAD: Iraq national football team prepare for a decisive 2026 World Cup playoff against Bolivia national football team tomorrow.

Players based in Iraq have had to train and travel under difficult conditions amid regional tensions, undertaking a demanding journey that included overland travel to Jordan before arriving in Mexico.

Despite the challenging build-up, Arnold remains determined not to let the situation distract his squad as they aim to secure Iraq’s first World Cup appearance since the 1986 FIFA World Cup.

“Representing 46 million people is a unique experience,” Arnold told reporters in Monterrey on Monday. “A major part of my job has focused on the mental aspect. 

“The players need to concentrate on themselves — thinking of their families and a few close friends — rather than the entire country; otherwise, the pressure becomes too great,” the 62-year-old Australian added.

Iraq’s preparations for Tuesday’s intercontinental playoff have been heavily disrupted over the past month by the war in the Middle East.