What's happened
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, teams are preparing for crucial qualifying matches. Iraq's new coach Graham Arnold aims for their first World Cup appearance in 40 years, while the USA faces challenges in assembling a competitive team. The tournament will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.
What's behind the headline?
Iraq's Ambitious Goal
- Graham Arnold's appointment as Iraq's national coach signals a renewed hope for the team, aiming to qualify for the World Cup after 40 years.
- Arnold's experience with Australia could provide valuable insights, but the pressure is on to secure wins against South Korea and Jordan.
USA's Struggles
- The U.S. faces difficulties in assembling a competitive team, with many stars prioritizing the Olympics over World Cup participation.
- The team's recent history, including a record-worst seventh place finish in 2019, raises questions about their ability to reclaim their status as a basketball powerhouse.
Broader Implications
- The outcomes of these qualifiers will not only affect the teams involved but also the global perception of soccer and basketball in their respective regions. Success could inspire a new generation of players and fans.
What the papers say
According to AP News, Iraq's new coach Graham Arnold is determined to lead the team to its first World Cup since 1986, stating, "That’s my goal. I haven’t come here to not be successful." Meanwhile, the USA Basketball team faces challenges in fielding its best players, as noted by Carmelo Anthony, who expressed excitement about the upcoming qualifiers, emphasizing the increased intensity of the competition. The New Arab highlights Arnold's previous success with Australia, suggesting that his experience could be pivotal for Iraq's chances. Al Jazeera reports on Arnold's immediate challenges, with crucial matches against South Korea and Jordan looming, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
How we got here
The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., with qualifying matches underway. Iraq, under new coach Graham Arnold, seeks to qualify for the first time since 1986, while the U.S. aims to improve after disappointing performances in recent tournaments.
Go deeper
- What are Iraq's chances of qualifying for the World Cup?
- How is the USA preparing for the upcoming qualifiers?
- What impact will Arnold have on Iraq's national team?
Common question
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What Teams Are Making Headlines in the World Cup Qualifiers?
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the excitement around the qualifying matches is palpable. With teams like Iraq aiming for a historic return and the USA facing challenges, fans are eager to know which teams are making headlines and what to expect in the coming matches.
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What Are the Key Matches in the World Cup Qualifiers?
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, teams are gearing up for crucial qualifying matches. With Iraq aiming for their first World Cup appearance in 40 years and the USA facing challenges in assembling a competitive squad, the stakes are high. This page explores the key teams and matches that could determine who makes it to the tournament.
More on these topics
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Graham James Arnold is an Australian association football manager and former player. Arnold was appointed to work as an assistant coach of the Australian national football team in 2000.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.