The Iraq national team suffered a 2–0 defeat against Venezuela on Wednesday in their final friendly match ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The match marked the conclusion of Iraq’s last preparatory training camp before traveling to the United States, Canada, and Mexico for the tournament.
Red Card for Ali Youssef
The friendly encounter saw Iraq reduced to ten men after defender Ali Youssef was sent off in the 71st minute.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, the coaching staff viewed the match as an opportunity to assess tactical organization and identify areas for improvement before competitive fixtures begin.
Iraq have been drawn into Group I alongside France, Senegal, and Norway, making their opening match crucial in setting the tone for the campaign.
Amir Al‑Ammari: We Have Moved On
Midfielder Amir Al‑Ammari said the team has already turned the page on the Venezuela defeat and is focused on the upcoming challenges.
Speaking to the Iraqi News Agency after the match, he emphasized that the squad completed the friendly without injuries or major setbacks, and that all players remain physically ready.
Al‑Ammari added that the team will enter a new training camp in preparation for their opening World Cup match against Norway, with particular attention to correcting mistakes observed during the friendly.
He also called on Iraqi supporters in the United States to attend the matches and back the team, pledging that players will give their maximum effort to represent the country honorably.
Arnold: We Will Learn From the Mistakes
Head coach Graham Arnold expressed overall satisfaction with the players’ organization and discipline, despite the defeat.
He noted that the team committed only two significant errors during the match and that these will be treated as learning points ahead of the tournament.
Arnold said maintaining player fitness remains a top priority at this stage, especially as the World Cup approaches.
He described the overall performance as positive, highlighting that the squad came through the match without injuries.
Focus Turns to Norway Opener
The Iraq national team now shift their attention to their opening Group I fixture against Norway.
Preparations will focus on:
– Tactical adjustments based on the Venezuela match.
– Maintaining physical readiness across the squad.
– Enhancing coordination between defensive and attacking lines.
– Building confidence ahead of facing top-level opposition.
The upcoming match against Norway will be Iraq’s first test in a challenging group featuring established international sides.
Conclusion:
Although the Iraq national team were defeated by Venezuela in their final warm-up, players and coaching staff remain confident ahead of the 2026 World Cup. With focus now on the Norway opener, Iraq aim to translate preparation into a strong start on football’s biggest stage.
