Iraq coach Graham Arnold has criticised the structure of the AFC’s latest World Cup qualifying phase after his side were denied automatic progression despite an unbeaten record, according to Reuters. Iraq finished second in Group B following a goalless draw with hosts Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Tuesday, a result that sent Herve Renard’s team through to the 2026 finals alongside Qatar.
The former Australia manager voiced frustration at what he described as an unfair scheduling advantage for host nations Saudi Arabia and Qatar, who were both granted six days of rest between fixtures—double that of their group opponents. “I’m extremely proud of the boys, especially after the way the format of the competition has been,” Arnold said. “It’s no coincidence that the team in each group that had the six days break qualified. I’ve never seen anything like this in my coaching career.”
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) awarded hosting rights for the two three-team groups to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, who went on to secure qualification with favourable conditions. Iraq and Indonesia, also placed in Group B, played both matches within three days, while the United Arab Emirates and Oman faced a similar schedule in Doha.
Arnold argued that the compressed calendar placed his players at a disadvantage compared to the rested hosts. “When I was with Australia, we were all told these playoffs would be at a neutral venue,” he said. “It’s the same in the other group—Qatar got through after six days off and with hometown support.”
His comments echoed earlier criticism from Oman coach Carlos Queiroz, who raised similar concerns ahead of his team’s 0-0 draw with Qatar. The Omanis were later eliminated after losing to the UAE, while Qatar’s 2-1 victory secured their place at next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Despite Iraq’s frustration, Arnold urged supporters to remain optimistic as the team continues its qualification journey. The Lions of Mesopotamia will now face the UAE next month in a two-legged playoff to determine who advances to the intercontinental stage in March. “The players have given me everything they had,” Arnold said. “We didn’t concede a goal in this tournament, and we’re still in it. I’m sorry to the Iraqi fans, but they need to stay positive. World Cup qualification goes on.”
With Iraq unbeaten but left empty-handed after the group stage, Arnold’s criticism has intensified debate over scheduling fairness in Asia’s Road to 2026—a topic the AFC may be pressed to revisit before the next round begins.
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