An unfortunate injury to the Iraqi team… and Arnold is moving fast

The Lions of Mesopotamia return to the World Cup after an absence

The delegation of the Iraqi national football team left for America on Friday evening to participate in the 2026 World Cup, completing its preparation program that included an intensive training camp and friendly matches that led to positive results that strengthened the Mesopotamian Lions’ preparation before the start of the world tournament.

Iraq ended their preparations with a 1-1 draw with European champions Spain in a friendly last Thursday night, following a clean-scoring win over Andorra in the previous fixture, giving the coaching staff plenty of confidence in the team’s ability to compete strongly during the international football tournament.

But Australian coach Graham Arnold, Iraq’s coach, was dealt a blow against La Roja after left-back Ahmed Yahya suffered a muscle injury that forced him off the field before the end of the game, prompting Arnold to make the snap decision to call on Ahmed McKenzie as a substitute for the national team.

The move to call up McKenzie was made as a precautionary measure by the former Australia coach in anticipation of Ahmed Yahya’s injury worsening and the possibility of him being unable to participate in international competition, especially as initial medical tests have yet to determine the seriousness of the Police Club player’s injury.

Ahmed Yahya is expected to undergo a comprehensive medical once the Iraqi delegation arrives in the United States, where the team’s medical staff will determine his fitness level and whether he will be able to participate in the World Cup finals or whether to rely on replacement McKenzie for the entire tournament.

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