Iraq last played at a World Cup in Mexico 1986. Forty years later, they are back. The qualification came via a 2-1 win over Bolivia in Monterrey on March 31, 2026, with Aymen Hussein scoring the decisive goal in the 52nd minute. The Lions of Mesopotamia are drawn in Group I alongside France, Senegal and Norway, three opponents with genuine tournament ambitions. For Kuwait bettors and Gulf football fans, Iraq’s return is the biggest story in Arab football at this tournament.
Group I Fixtures
| Date | Fixture | Venue |
| June 16 | Norway vs Iraq | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough |
| June 22 | France vs Iraq | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia |
| June 26 | Senegal vs Iraq | BMO Field, Toronto, Canada |
How Iraq Qualified
Iraq’s road to the 2026 World Cup was one of the longest in this qualifying cycle. They began in November 2023, took maximum points in the first round against Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines, then advanced to the third round where they were grouped with South Korea, Jordan, Oman, Palestine and Kuwait. Despite finishing second in that group, one point behind South Korea, they qualified for the inter-confederation playoffs.
Iraq beat the UAE 3-2 on aggregate in a dramatic two-legged playoff. They then faced Bolivia in the final. Ali Al-Hamadi opened the scoring in the 18th minute, Bolivia equalised before half-time, and Aymen Hussein scored the winner in the 52nd minute. Iraq became the 48th and final team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, confirmed just 72 days before their opening match.
Iraq’s Key Players
| Player | Club | Role |
| Zidane Iqbal | FC Utrecht (Netherlands) | Midfielder; creative pivot; most technical player |
| Aymen Hussein | Al-Karma (Iraq) | Striker; scored the qualifying winner vs Bolivia |
| Ali Al-Hamadi | Ipswich Town (England) | Forward; Premier League experience |
| Amir Al-Ammari | Cracovia (Poland) | Midfielder; penalty taker; free-kick specialist |
| Ali Jasim | Al-Najma (KSA) | Midfielder; corner and set-piece specialist |
| Merchas Doski | Viktoria Plzen (Czech Republic) | Defender; European experience |
Zidane Iqbal: The Creative Engine
Born in Manchester and eligible for Iraq through his Iraqi mother, Iqbal plays for FC Utrecht in the Dutch Eredivisie. He is the most technically gifted player in the squad and the team’s creative pivot under Graham Arnold’s system. His ability to receive under pressure and distribute quickly is Iraq’s primary route to creating chances against high-quality opponents.
Aymen Hussein: The Qualifying Hero
Hussein scored the goal that sent Iraq to the World Cup. At 30, he is the focal point of Iraq’s attack and leads the line for Arnold’s 4-4-2. He plays for Al-Karma in the Iraqi Premier League and brings directness and movement that complements the technical players around him.
Ali Al-Hamadi: Premier League Exposure
Al-Hamadi plays for Ipswich Town in the English Premier League, the highest-profile club of any Iraqi player in the squad. His experience of European football gives him a physical and tactical understanding that domestic players may lack. He opened the scoring against Bolivia in the qualifying final.
Graham Arnold: The Australian Coach
Iraq are coached by Graham Arnold, the Australian who previously managed the Australian national team at Qatar 2022. He was appointed to the Iraq role in 2024 and has built his system around defensive discipline and quick transitions. Arnold understands the demands of major tournament football from his Australia experience, which gives Iraq a tactical foundation that more experienced coaches might bring.
Group I Analysis: What Can Iraq Achieve?
Group I is described by analysts as one of the toughest groups in the tournament. France are one of the pre-tournament favourites. Senegal are AFCON champions with real quality across the squad. Norway have Erling Haaland, the best striker in the world, who scored 16 goals in qualifying.
For Iraq, the realistic target is a competitive performance in all three matches. A point from the group would be celebrated as a success. Any more would represent an extraordinary achievement. The Norway match on June 16 is Iraq’s best opportunity: both sides are entering the tournament fresh, and Iraq’s defensive organisation under Arnold could make it a competitive 90 minutes.
Reaching the Round of 32 is possible but would require results that go Iraq’s way from other groups. Even without advancing, three competitive performances on the world stage against France, Senegal and Norway would be a proud chapter in Iraqi football history.
Betting on Iraq at the 2026 World Cup
Iraq are underdogs in all three group matches. The most interesting betting angles are Iraq vs Norway as Iraq’s most competitive fixture (the straight win is long odds, but Iraq +1 European handicap or +1.5 Asian handicap is worth considering), and Iraq to score at least one goal in the group stage across all three matches.
For iraqbet.com audience members following this page, the Iraq-specific content is on the iraqbet site. For Kuwait bettors looking to follow the Arab World Cup story, Iraq’s group matches offer genuine betting interest. Place your bets at Betfinal and earn points for the $25,000 Leaderboard.
See our full Betfinal World Cup 2026 review or visit Betfinal’s World Cup promotions page for Iraq match markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Iraq last play at a World Cup?
Iraq last appeared at the World Cup in Mexico 1986, where they lost all three group-stage matches. The 2026 tournament marks their return after a 40-year absence.
How did Iraq qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
Iraq qualified through the AFC third round and inter-confederation playoffs, beating Bolivia 2-1 on March 31, 2026 in Monterrey, Mexico. Aymen Hussein scored the decisive second goal.
Who coaches Iraq at the 2026 World Cup?
Graham Arnold, the Australian coach who previously managed the Australian national team at Qatar 2022.
What group is Iraq in?
Iraq are in Group I alongside France, Senegal and Norway.
Who are Iraq’s best players?
Zidane Iqbal (FC Utrecht) is Iraq’s most creative player. Aymen Hussein (Al-Karma) and Ali Al-Hamadi (Ipswich Town) lead the attack. Amir Al-Ammari is the set-piece and penalty specialist.
Last updated: June 2026
