Graham Arnold targets Arab Gulf Cup 27 title as Iraq prepare to face Oman

Iraq head coach Graham Arnold says his side have the quality to challenge for the Arab Gulf Cup 27 title despite major changes to the squad and coaching staff.

Iraq begin their campaign against Oman at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium, with Arnold stressing the importance of making a strong start in a competition where dropping points early could prove costly.

“We have a mixture of experienced and young players, which gives us an extra dimension to produce high-level performances,” Arnold said at his pre-match news conference. “The players are ready, and we have made a number of changes to both the coaching staff and the players.”

Iraq have introduced several new faces and are competing in the tournament for the first time in years. Arnold said the team were focused on building for the future while aiming to win the trophy.

“We have new players, and this is the first time we have played in this tournament for years,” he added. “We are focused on the future and have the skills and ability to compete and achieve the title, particularly because this tournament is very important to Iraqi football.”

The Australian coach acknowledged that preparations had been limited, with Iraq having only two days to train in Jeddah before their opening match.

“We only had two days to prepare in Jeddah, so it is important that we work on fitness and prepare properly for the game,” Arnold said. “The players are capable of producing a good performance, not only against Oman but throughout the tournament.”

Hussein looks to Iraqi support

Iraq striker Aymen Hussein said the backing of the country’s supporters in Saudi Arabia could be decisive during the competition.

He thanked Saudi Arabia for hosting the tournament and congratulated the country on its National Day, while describing the Iraqi fans in Jeddah as being in “their second country”.

“We welcome you and thank Saudi Arabia for this hosting, and we congratulate them on the occasion of National Day,” Hussein said. “The Iraqi fans will support us strongly in Jeddah. They are in their second country, and we are expecting great support from them.”

Hussein also confirmed that the squad were ready for the opening fixture, despite the changes and the presence of players preparing to make their international debuts.

“The team is fully ready,” he said. “We have made a number of changes, and there are players who will be playing their first international matches. We will face a respected team and aim to produce a performance worthy of the Iraqi national team.”

Iraq are in Group A alongside Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Oman. The four teams are competing for two places in the semi-finals.

Under the tournament regulations, the group winners face the runners-up from the other group. The Group A winners will play the Group B runners-up, while the Group B winners meet the Group A runners-up.

The two winners will contest the final on 6 October 2026 to decide the champions of the 27th edition of the Arab Gulf Cup.