Baghdad, June 2 -- Iraq head coach Graham Arnold has described his team's FIFA World Cup 2026 draw as "exciting", saying his players will relish the chance to face some of the biggest names in world football.

Speaking during a press conference after the draw, Arnold said many members of his squad are yet to experience playing against elite stars such as Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Sadio Mane, calling it a privilege to share the pitch with such talent.

Iraq lost all three of their matches in their previous World Cup appearance in Mexico in 1986, and they will now face a daunting challenge in Group I clashes against France, Norway and Senegal in the 2026 edition of the World Cup.

"For me, it's a group of excitement because a lot of...