The Iraq national football team head to the WC 2026 in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Lions of Mesopotamia have been drawn in Group I alongside France, Norway and Senegal. Iraq has qualified for the tournament for the second time, a significant achievement. However, winning the entire tournament is highly improbable given their challenging group and the strength of other. The competition kicks off on 11 June across 16 stadiums in three host nations.

The Road to WC 2026: How Iraq Qualified

Iraq qualified for the WC 2026 through the the tournament Group I, finishing in Qualified via Inter-confederation playoff with 21 points from their qualifying campaign (7W-0D-0L). Lions of Mesopotamia scored 32 goals and conceded 14 during the qualifying phase.

Iraq secured their the tournament spot by defeating Bolivia 2-1 in the inter-confederation playoff, ending a 40-year absence from the tournament.

This marks Iraq's 2th WC appearance. The Iraq Football Association has guided the squad through a competitive AFC qualifying campaign.

Iraq's qualification for the WC 2026 is a monumental achievement and only their second appearance, 40 years after 1986. The Lions of Mesopotamia navigated a difficult pathway under Australian coach Graham Arnold, including a decisive intercontinental playoff. The qualification has united the nation and brought joy during challenging times, with celebrations extending across Baghdad and beyond.

For full details on the qualification standings and results, visit the AFC official website.

"This squad has the quality and determination to represent our country with pride at the tournament."

- Graham Arnold

Bet on Iraq at the WC 2026

Iraq's Outright Odds to Win WC 2026

Iraq enter the WC 2026 with outright odds of approximately 250/1 to win the tournament. Iraq has qualified for the tournament for the second time, a significant achievement. However, winning the entire tournament is highly improbable given their challenging group and the strength of other contenders.

Best Betting Markets and Predictions for Iraq

Explore the full range of Iraq betting markets for the tournament, including group winner, top scorer and match result. Use the Napoleon Sports sportsbook to build your own combinations with BetBuilder across all Iraq group stage matches.

Iraq are among the tournament's longest-priced teams but their qualification story alone makes them one of the most compelling narratives. The realistic goal is to compete respectably against Group I opponents France, Norway and Senegal. Look for individual match markets where Iraq could spring a surprise, particularly against Norway.

How Far Can Iraq Go? Realistic Expectations

Iraq has qualified for the tournament for the second time, a significant achievement. However, winning the entire tournament is highly improbable given their challenging group and the strength of other contenders. Other strong contenders in this tournament include IR Iran and Japan.

Follow Iraq at WC 2026 on the Napoleon Sports App

Stay on top of every Iraq match, live odds and squad update directly from your phone. The Napoleon Sports app gives you real-time access to all the tournament action.

Iraq's Squad for WC 2026

Iraq's final 26-man squad was announced by coach Graham Arnold ahead of the tournament. Below is the full squad plus selected profiles on key players.

Goalkeepers

Defenders

Midfielders

Forwards

Last 5 Matches: Iraq's Recent Form

Iraq have won 3, drawn 0 and lost 2 of their last 5 matches heading into the tournament.

Iraq in Group I: Schedule, Opponents and Stadiums

Iraq have been drawn in Group I alongside France, Norway and Senegal.

Group I presents an enormous challenge for Iraq, with world number one France as the clear favourite. The opening match against Norway in Foxborough will set the tone. The match against France in Philadelphia will be a historic occasion for Iraqi football. The final group game against Senegal could determine Iraq's fate in the tournament.

Head-to-Head: Iraq vs. Group I Opponents

Iraq vs. Norway: Iraq has no prior the tournament head-to-head matches against Norway.

Iraq vs. France: Iraq has no prior the tournament head-to-head matches against France.

Iraq vs. Senegal: Iraq has no prior the tournament head-to-head matches against Senegal.

Iraq's Head Coach for WC 2026

Graham Arnold (Australian, born 1963) has been in charge of the Iraq national team since May 2025. Arnold's tactical style focuses on maximizing the potential of teams, often embracing an underdog mentality and fostering a fighting spirit.

Career highlights include: Guided Australia to the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup, won two A-League Premierships, one Championship, and an FFA Cup with Sydney FC..

Follow Iraq's tournament journey and historical records on the Iraqi Premier League tournament archive.

Iraq's Official Kits for WC 2026

The kits reflect Iraq's national identity and the pride of representing the Lions of Mesopotamia on the world stage. Both designs incorporate elements inspired by the rich cultural heritage of ancient Mesopotamia, connecting modern football with thousands of years of history.

The designs honour Iraqi heritage, drawing on the rich artistic traditions of ancient Mesopotamia and the country's modern footballing identity.

Iraq's WC History and Records

Iraq have appeared at 2 World Cups, with their first appearance in 1986. Their best finish is Group stage 1986.

Iraq at the 2022 World Cup

Iraq did not qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

For complete historical statistics and squad data, see the Transfermarkt Iraq profile page.

Memorable WC Moments for Iraq

Ahmed Radhi scored Iraq's first and only the tournament goal against Belgium in 1986.

In 1986, a goal against Paraguay was controversially disallowed when the referee blew the half-time whistle during a corner kick.

Read more about other teams at the WC 2026: Jordan and Algeria.

Iraq's only previous WC appearance was in Mexico 1986, where Ahmed Radhi scored the country's first and only the tournament goal against Belgium. Iraq won the 2007 Asian Cup in a remarkable achievement that united a nation during conflict, and the WC 2026 qualification has rekindled that spirit of togetherness and pride through football.

Iraqi football has a proud tradition that extends far beyond the national team. The Iraqi Premier League has grown significantly in recent years, producing young talents who are beginning to attract attention from European scouts. The WC 2026 squad represents the diversity of Iraqi society, with players from across the country united by a shared dream of competing on football's biggest stage. Coach Arnold has instilled a professional mentality and tactical discipline that could help Iraq compete.

Frequently Asked Questions about Iraq at the tournament

Play responsibly. Napoleon Sports is licensed by the Belgian Gaming Commission. 21+. For support, visit stopoptijd.be.