Iraq
Manager: Graham Arnold
Iraq head to their second World Cup finals carrying the emotion of a nation that has had to wait 40 years since their only previous appearance in 1986. The Lions of Mesopotamia became the last team to qualify when they beat Bolivia 2-1 on April 1, a result that came despite several logistical issues caused by conflict in the Middle East. Coach Graham Arnold guided Australia to the last 16 in 2022 and has implemented his trademark defensive tactics and built a strong team spirit. Arnold's tactical clarity is a definite positive but his motivated squad have it all to do in one of the deeper sections.