IRAQ

Iraq is a two-time World Cup participant (1986, 2026), returning to the tournament for the first time in 40 years. At the 2026 World Cup, Iraq plays in Group I against France, Senegal, and Norway. Head coach Graham Arnold, an Australian, has been in charge since May 2025 — the former Australia coach at the 2022 World Cup. The leaders: Aymen Hussein (central striker, who scored the decisive play-off goal), Hussein Ali, Zidane Iqbal.

In 1986 in Mexico, Iraq debuted at the World Cup during the Saddam Hussein era. The squad played a politically charged tournament: after the Iran-Iraq war, Brazilian coach Evaristo de Macedo led the team. Three straight defeats — Paraguay 0:1, Belgium 1:2, Mexico 0:1 — but the country's first and only World Cup goal was scored (Hussein Saeed against Belgium). After 1986 Iraq went through the 1991 and 2003 wars, lost a golden generation, played on neutral fields. At the 2007 Asian Cup, the team sensationally became champions — beating Saudi Arabia 1:0 in the final (Younis Mahmoud's goal).

Qualifying was a dramatic journey through play-offs. Iraq went through two Asian rounds, then a fourth round against the UAE. In the inter-continental play-off against Bolivia on April 1, 2026 — a 2:1 win with Aymen Hussein's decisive goal. It was the first time in 40 years, and Iraq received a welcome parade in Baghdad. Arnold, a former Sydney FC player, is known for his Australia work. In Group I against France, Senegal, and Norway, the team is the outsider. Matches are in Boston, Philadelphia, and Toronto.

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