MONTERREY, Mexico, March 31, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Iraq coach Graham Arnold said Monday he is trying to shield his squad from news of the war in the Middle East as they prepare for a crunch 2026 World Cup playoff against Bolivia. However Arnold is determined not to let the troubled build-up distract his team as they bid to secure Iraq's first appearance at the World Cup since the 1986 finals in Mexico. At least 101 people have been killed in Iraq since the conflict erupted on February 28, according to an AFP tally. "I prefer not to talk about it right now (the war in the Middle East). "A tremendous amount is happening in the Middle East; if they dwell on it too much, it will mess with their heads.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha March 31, 2026 06:56 UTC