Controversial World Cup Qualifiers Ignite Debate in Asia

Iraq's coach, Graham Arnold, has expressed concerns over the fairness of the current phase of Asia’s World Cup qualifiers. His team missed a direct spot at the finals after being overtaken by Saudi Arabia, highlighting a controversial tournament setup.

The former coach of Australia, alongside Oman’s Carlos Queiroz, pointed to the advantages given to host teams, particularly Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The hosts were granted extended rest periods and the comfort of home support, while competitors had less recovery time between games.

Although Iraq finished second in their group, their World Cup dream remains alive. Arnold urged fans to stay optimistic as Iraq prepares for upcoming matches that could secure a playoff spot, keeping their hopes of playing in next summer's tournament intact.