René Meulensteen, the former Manchester United assistant coach who worked closely with Cristiano Ronaldo during the club's golden era, has taken on a new challenge: leading Iraq to the World Cup for the first time in nearly four decades.
A new chapter for Meulensteen
The 61-year-old Dutchman, who was part of Sir Alex Ferguson's backroom staff during United's 2008 Champions League triumph, was appointed head coach of Iraq in April. His immediate task is to guide the team through the third round of Asian World Cup qualifiers, with the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico as the ultimate goal.
Iraq last qualified for the World Cup in 1986, when the tournament was held in Mexico. Since then, the country has endured decades of conflict and instability, but football remains a unifying force. Meulensteen sees potential in the squad, which includes players like striker Aymen Hussein, who starred at the 2023 Asian Cup.
Drawing on United experience
Meulensteen's time at Manchester United, where he served as first-team coach from 2007 to 2013, saw him develop a reputation for improving individual players. He worked extensively with Ronaldo, helping the Portuguese star refine his game before his move to Real Madrid. “Ronaldo was a machine,” Meulensteen recalled. “He wanted to be the best and was willing to put in the work.”
He also played a key role in the development of Wayne Rooney and other United stars. That experience, he believes, will be invaluable in Iraq. “I’ve worked with some of the best players in the world, and I know what it takes to succeed at the highest level. I want to bring that mentality to Iraq,” he said.
Building a competitive team
Iraq currently sits third in Group B of the Asian qualifiers, behind South Korea and Jordan. The top two teams from each group advance directly to the World Cup, while third-placed teams enter a playoff. Meulensteen's immediate goal is to secure a top-two finish, but he is realistic about the challenges.
“We have a young squad with a lot of talent, but we need to improve our discipline and tactical awareness,” he said. “The players are hungry, and they want to make their country proud.”
Meulensteen has already made an impact, introducing a more structured training regimen and emphasizing fitness. His first match in charge was a 2-0 win over the Philippines in a friendly, and he will face his first competitive test against Indonesia in June.
A long-term vision
Beyond World Cup qualification, Meulensteen is focused on building a sustainable football culture in Iraq. He plans to work closely with local clubs and youth academies to develop the next generation of players. “It’s not just about the senior team,” he said. “We need to create a system that produces talent consistently.”
The Iraqi Football Association has given him a four-year contract, signaling their commitment to a long-term project. Meulensteen is confident that with the right support, Iraq can become a force in Asian football. “The potential is there. It’s my job to unlock it,” he said.
