Iraq head coach Graham Arnold says his team has no room for fear as it prepares for its World Cup return, where it faces Erling Haaland and Norway. The match is Iraq’s first World Cup appearance in 40 years, after the team’s last appearance in 1986. Arnold describes the tournament qualification itself as a major achievement, but he says it is not enough for his side. Instead, he urges an attitude that aims to surprise expectations against a prominent opponent featuring Haaland. Across reporting, Arnold’s comments focus on the challenge of competing in the finals as an unfancied team, and on the need for Iraq to approach the game with confidence rather than concern about the opponent’s reputation. While the articles note Iraq’s underdog status, they also frame Iraq’s presence in the tournament as the result of long-awaited progress, with the coach pushing for a performance that matches their qualification momentum.