Iraq Miss Automatic FIFA World Cup Qualification, Coach Claims Format Unfair: 'No Coincidence That...'

Last Updated:October 15, 2025, 13:24 IST

Graham Arnold and Carlos Queiroz criticised the FIFA World Cup qualifier format after Iraq and Oman missed direct spots.

Saudi Arabia's Salem Al Dawsari (right) takes a shot on goal. (AP Photo)

Iraq coach Graham Arnold questioned the fairness of the format used in the latest phase of Asia’s preliminaries for the World Cup after his team was beaten to a spot in next summer’s finals by Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

The former Australia coach joined Oman boss Carlos Queiroz in criticising the just-concluded round of qualifiers, which also saw Qatar secure a berth at the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

“I’m extremely proud of the boys, especially considering the format of the competition," Arnold said after his side’s 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia in Jeddah left Iraq second in Group B behind Herve Renard’s team.

“It’s no coincidence that the team in each group that had the six days break qualified.

“I’ve never experienced anything like this format in my coaching career. When I was with Australia, we were told these playoffs would be at a neutral venue. It’s the same in the other group with Qatar getting through after six days off and both with hometown support."

HOSTS GRANTED FAVOURABLE SCHEDULES

Saudi Arabia and Qatar were awarded the hosting rights for the two three-team groups played during the current international window by the Asian Football Confederation, resulting in favourable schedules for their teams.

Iraq and Indonesia, who finished third in Group B, had only three days recovery between their two matches in Jeddah, while the United Arab Emirates and Oman had similar schedules in Doha. Saudi Arabia and Qatar, meanwhile, had six days rest.

Former Real Madrid and Portugal coach Queiroz had previously raised the issue before his Oman team’s 0-0 draw with Qatar in Doha last Wednesday.

Qatar’s 2-1 win over the UAE on Tuesday meant the Omanis were eliminated from the qualifiers, finishing bottom of Group A.

While Saudi Arabia and Qatar claimed the automatic places at the finals, runners-up Iraq and the UAE will meet next month in a two-legged clash to determine who advances to the intercontinental playoffs in March for another World Cup spot.

“The players have given me everything they had," said Arnold. “They ended up with four points, we didn’t concede a goal in this tournament, but we are still in it.

“All the Iraqi media and fans need to stay positive because we are through to the next phase with games in November, so World Cup qualification goes on. I’m sorry to the Iraqi fans but they need to understand we’re still in it. We have to stay positive."

With Reuters Photo

Feroz Khan

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital...Read More

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital...

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News sports Iraq Miss Automatic FIFA World Cup Qualification, Coach Claims Format Unfair: 'No Coincidence That...'

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