Iraqi Australian Community Celebrates Historic World Cup Qualification
Members of the Iraqi Australian community have gathered in large numbers at Sydney Airport to celebrate the historic achievement of Iraq’s first men’s FIFA World Cup qualification in 40 years. The event saw coach Graham Arnold receive a warm and enthusiastic welcome from fans who expressed their gratitude for his role in leading the team to this milestone.
Last week, Arnold guided Iraq to a 2-1 victory over Bolivia in Mexico, securing their place in the World Cup. This marks a significant moment for the country, as it will be the first time since 1986 that Iraq has qualified for the prestigious tournament.
The players were met with a grand celebration in Baghdad, where they paraded through the city on an open-top bus, surrounded by thousands of cheering fans waving Iraqi flags. Despite the excitement in Iraq, Arnold was unable to join the festivities due to an airspace shutdown. However, he was welcomed by hundreds of supporters at Sydney Airport, where fans chanted, sang, and played drums in his honor.
“I didn’t expect this here in Australia. Obviously in Iraq. But it’s incredible,” Arnold said, speaking to SBS. “First, I want to apologize to everyone in Iraq that I couldn’t go back there to celebrate. Seeing this here is amazing. Thank you very much.”
Arnold expressed his pride in the players’ accomplishments, emphasizing the importance of bringing joy to many Iraqis. “Making many Iraqis happy is very important and that was the main thing,” he added.
As chants of “Arnie, Arnie, Arnie, oi, oi oi” echoed through the terminal, one fan held up a sign that read: “Arrived quietly, fulfilled 46 million dreams. Thank you Graham Arnold, you’re a legend!” Police were on hand to help escort Arnold away, but he remained smiling as he took in the scene.
“He came in to save us like the hero he is,” said one young fan. “I would love to thank him, we are all here to thank him with our true hearts. We as Iraqis came here to support him and show him how much this means to us.”
Arnold’s journey with Iraq began after a difficult start to the qualification campaign with the Socceroos. He resigned in September 2024, and Tony Popovic took over soon after. Arnold has been coaching Iraq for the past 10 months, and his success has made him the first Australian to coach two different countries at the World Cup.
Iraq is set to compete in a group that includes France, Norway, and Senegal. The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will kick off on June 11.
