Arnold's Iraq secured their first World Cup appearance in four decades with a dramatic 2-1 playoff victory over Bolivia, clinching a place in the 2026 tournament. Goalkeeper Ahmed Basil Al-Fadhli scored the decisive goal in the 89th minute, while Mohannad Ali Kadhim opened the scoring. This triumph, witnessed with euphoria in Baghdad and Basra, ends a grueling 867-day qualifying odyssey. The Lions of Mesopotamia will now join France, Senegal, and Norway in Group I, setting up a potential rematch with Didier Deschamps' France, whom they defeated in 2022. Arnold becomes the first Australian to lead two nations to the World Cup, a historic achievement for the 62-year-old coach who navigated unprecedented logistical chaos, including being stranded in the UAE due to Middle East conflict.

His ability to forge a cohesive, resilient squad under extreme pressure is credited as pivotal to Iraq's success.