Despite losing 4-1 to Norway in its opening game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Iraq head coach Graham Arnold praised his team for their performance.
This came after the Asian nation conceded twice to Manchester City striker Erling Haaland with both goals coming in the first half.
Iraq qualified to the World Cup via the playoffs but got handed a tough start to a tough group that also has Senegal and France. Senegal lost 3-1 to France.
Speaking to the BBC after the loss, Arnold Graham was quite upbeat and pointed to mistakes that hurt their chances of winning the tie.
“We have got two more games to go and I thought the boys did exceptionally well. A couple of mistakes hurt us badly.”
“Of course, we have three-four days, but what a great occasion this has been for Iraq. A special night” Graham said.
Iraq take on France next on Monday, June 22 before playing Senegal on June 26.
