The Lions of Mesopotamia have returned after 40 years. Football's most dramatic tale of the modern age, Path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Iraq has been one of geopolitical turmoil, late-breaking intrigue and pure determination. The return of Iraq to the world stage, from a nail biter inter-continental playoff in Monterrey, to a spot in Group I with France, Senegal, and Norway is a time 46 million people have been waiting for since Mexico 1986.
Iraq (Lions of Mesopotamia)
Graham Arnold is one of the most improbable World Cup qualification coaches ever. The seasoned Australian, who was leading the Socceroos to the round of 16 in Qatar 2022 and then stepped down in 2024, was named in May 2025 as head coach of the Iraqis after Jesús Casas was fired.
Arsenal came into the care of a team in third place in their AFC qualifying group, where there was much at stake. His style is defensive solid, physical and quick attack. He is having a lot to ask of all his players, both in terms of playing in the right forward positions, and also in their defensive shape.
The 61-year-old's best performance with the Iraqis happened under incredible off-pitch circumstances. Arnold was unable to leave the UAE as regional airspace restrictions were imposed due to the Middle East conflict, just days before the inter-continental playoff final match against Bolivia. Others also had visa issues when entering Mexico as part of the team and staff. Nevertheless, after a week of regrouping, his team came to Monterrey and performed.
"I must congratulate the players who played with real Iraqi mentality, fighting and putting their bodies on the line — and that's why we won the game," Arnold said after the victory.
Iraq's path to qualification was one of the most captivating of any country in the world campaign, which saw them play 899 matches and undertake a nine-month global qualifying process over the course of 937 days.
But Iraq joined in the fourth round of Asian qualification in a tough group. They eventually went on to become runners-up in Group B, but failed to make the cut for the automatic qualification spot, and instead got a spot in the fifth round of the AFC.
AFC Fifth Round: Iraq vs. UAE (November 2025)
| Leg | Match | Result |
| First Leg | UAE vs. Iraq (Abu Dhabi) | 1–1 |
| Second Leg | Iraq vs. UAE (Basra) | 2–1 (AET) |
| Aggregate | Iraq win 3–2 |
Basra International Stadium was a legend to its second leg. Needing a goal in the first half of a hard-fought match, Iraq equalised late through the efforts of their substitute Mohanad Ali Kadhim. This was followed by a VAR reviewed handball in the 17th minute of added time, which gave Iraq a penalty. Arnold couldn't bear to watch. Amir Al-Ammari, the midfielder from KS Cracovia, stepped in and the cool headed Al-Ammari converted Iraq into the intercontinental playoff.
Logistical nightmares loomed at the camp and Iraq flew in on a charter flight just one week before kickoff. In the ring, they performed. Ali Al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein scored to help the team beat Bolivia 2–1, with the latter's goal the final one of the whole global qualifying campaign.
Iraq qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup 2026 as the 48th and last team to do so, completing a 40-year wait since their last trip to the competition in 1986.
Qualification Key Stats:
Iraq have joined the World Cup Group I, which features two-time World Cup winners France, Africa power Senegal and a revived Norway team captained by Erling Haaland. All three games are played in the eastern U.S. and Canada.
| Date | Match | Venue | City | Time (ET) |
| June 16, 2026 | Iraq vs. Norway | Gillette Stadium | Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA | 6:00 PM |
| June 22, 2026 | France vs. Iraq | Lincoln Financial Field | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA | 5:00 PM |
| June 26, 2026 | Senegal vs. Iraq | BMO Field | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | 3:00 PM |
The group stage runs from June 16 to 26, 2026. The Round of 32 expanded to 48 teams will feature the top two teams and possibly the best third-place team.
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| Stat | Detail |
| First World Cup Appearance | Mexico 1986 |
| Most Recent Appearance | Mexico 1986 |
| Total Appearances | 1 (prior to 2026) |
| Best Finish | Group Stage (1986) |
| Goals Scored at World Cups | 1 |
Iraq came into the world in the World Cup 40 years ago at Mexico 1986, where they played a few of the Group I games. The Lions of Mesopotamia were drawn in a difficult group, and lost all three of their games, scoring only a consolation goal against Belgium.
Although the team departed early, the 1986 team was a historic moment in Iraqi football history, when the country made its debut in one of the most historic World Cups ever.
After 1986, Iraq suffered almost four decades of close calls, war-disrupted campaigns, and political chaos which put off and on numerous occasions, at least, might have halted qualifying efforts. This return to the World Cup in 2026 is not just a sporting feat; it's a testament to the resilience of a nation.
Iraq did, however, win the AFC Asian Cup in 2007 when they beat Saudi Arabia in the last game of the tournament, which was run partly during the peak of the Iraqi war. That victory was truly an extraordinary one, yet it was a national team high-light that was cheered on across the nation.
The central attacking force of the Iraqi team is Aymen Hussein, the most crucial forward for the team. Hussein was experienced and clinical in Asian football, and was the one who netted the final World Cup qualifying goal against Bolivia. He comes into the tournament as Iraq's No.1 threat in front of goal and the man who will be most wanted by opponents.
Ali Al-Hamadi is only 24 years old and has been playing in Europe consistently for one of the few Iraqi players in any league. Al-Hamadi was quick, on target and technically adept, netting the first goals for Iraq in both the UAE draw and the Bolivia playoff. His speed and toughness will provide Iraq with a real counter-attacking tool to elite opposition.
Mohanad Ali (25) is one of Iraq's most consistent performers, having scored 6 goals in his last 12 appearances for the international team, and is around 27 goals for the national team by his age. His ability to make an impact off the bench was pivotal in his qualification campaign, having been used more than 70 times.
The KS Cracovia midfielder was a late time hero, scoring the match-winning penalty under tremendous pressure from the UAE. That was a moment he was calm — that Arnold couldn't have been — and a reflection of this Iraq side.
Husain Saeed is Iraq's biggest goal scorer with a record of 11 goals in 11 games for the 1970s – 80s era. He has belonged to a golden generation that produced the only World Cup appearance for Iraq and will be a reference for all to come.
Most Capped Player: Younis Mahmoud (148 appearances)
Iraq have arguably the toughest run in the entire tournament, in finding their way to the knockout stage. To get past the group stage would be an historic feat if they did — Iraq have never won at the World Cup! However, in football, things can always go wrong and a side that came through the net when everyone else was eliminated shouldn't be ruled out completely.
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Journey to FIFA World Cup Iraq 2026 is a tale of resilience and determination for a nation whose journey has been defined by conflict and a refusal to bow down. The Lions of Mesopotamia survived logistical nightmares, made a miraculous comeback to take on the brink in Basra and outfought Bolivia in Mexico to secure their place among the world's 48 best sides.
The mountain climbers of group I will face France, Senegal or Norway. However, Iraq wasn't a place of easy answers. With hope, pride, and belief, 46 million Iraqis, and millions of football fans all over the world, will watch every match they play this summer in North America.
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The Lions of Mesopotamia are back. They're just beginning, and they're 40 years in the making.
FIFA World Cup 2026 head coach Graham Arnold is an experienced Australian coach who took the Socceroos to the round of 16 in Qatar 2022. He was appointed in May 2025.
On March 31, 2026, Iraq defeated Bolivia 2–1 in their intercontinental playoff final in Monterrey, Mexico to become the 48th and final team to qualify.
Hussein Saeed is Iraq's all-time top scorer with 78 international goals. Mohanad Ali is one of the most clinical forwards in the current squad as he has scored about 27 goals in his 25 years.
The first group stage match will be against Norway on June 16, 2026 at 6:00 PM ET on June 16 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA.
In all, Iraq's last World Cup decent performance before 2026 was in the group stage at Mexico 1986, where they suffered a hat trick of defeats.
There are some key players at the forefront of the team for the World Cup 2026, including Aymen Hussein, who is widely regarded as the star of the team, Ali Al-Hamadi, who is considered to be one of the most exciting young talents, and Mohanad Ali, who is known for his goalscoring ability.
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