Iraq

World Cup 2026 Analysis

WorldCupTrends.com is proud to present a comprehensive guide to the Iraq national football team's journey and performance at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Team Overview & FIFA Ranking

The Iraq national football team, affectionately known as the "Lions of Mesopotamia," entered the FIFA World Cup 2026 as the 57th ranked team globally. Following their initial group stage match loss, their ranking dropped to 63rd as of July 20, 2026. Their participation in the 2026 tournament marked a significant achievement, ending a 40-year absence from the global showpiece since their only previous appearance in 1986. Despite a challenging group stage, their qualification itself was a testament to their resilience and growing stature within the Asian Football Confederation.

Qualification Journey

Iraq's path to the FIFA World Cup 2026 was a demanding 21-match odyssey spanning 28 months. Their qualification campaign began strongly, as they dominated the second round of the AFC qualifiers, winning all six of their matches. However, the third round presented greater hurdles, leading to a change in management. Ultimately, Iraq secured their coveted spot in the World Cup through an intercontinental playoff. In a dramatic final, they defeated Bolivia 2-1 in Monterrey, Mexico, with Ali Al-Hamadi opening the scoring and Aymen Hussein netting the decisive goal in the 53rd minute. This victory cemented their return to the world stage.

Key Players to Watch

Aymen Hussein (Forward - Al-Karma)

The veteran striker was Iraq's top scorer during the Asian qualifying campaign with eight goals. Hussein proved his clutch ability by scoring the winning goal in the intercontinental playoff against Bolivia and also netted Iraq's lone goal in the World Cup against Norway. His physical presence and aerial ability make him a crucial target man for the team.

Ali Al-Hamadi (Forward - Ipswich Town)

Al-Hamadi made history as the first Iraqi to play in the Premier League. He was instrumental in the playoff final, scoring Iraq's opening goal against Bolivia. His pace and directness are key assets for Iraq's counter-attacking style.

Zidane Iqbal (Midfielder - Utrecht)

Having started his career at Manchester United, Iqbal now plies his trade in the Eredivisie with Utrecht. He is a creative force in midfield, essential for linking play and distributing the ball.

Amir Al-Ammari (Midfielder - Cracovia)

Another pivotal midfielder, Al-Ammari, currently with Cracovia, contributes significantly to Iraq's creative play and midfield solidity.

Ali Jasim (Winger - Al-Najma)

Jasim is considered a breakout star known for his dynamic dribbling skills and ability to create chances, injecting a crucial spark into Iraq's counter-attacks.

Tactical Setup & Manager

The Iraq national team is managed by Australian coach Graham Arnold, who took the helm in May 2025 after Jesús Casas' departure. Arnold, a seasoned coach who previously led Australia to the Round of 16 in the 2022 World Cup, revitalized Iraq's qualification hopes.

Under Arnold, Iraq's tactical approach is primarily built on defensive solidity and a disciplined structure. They often employ a 4-4-2 formation, focusing on remaining compact and difficult to break down. While they don't typically dominate possession, the Lions of Mesopotamia excel at absorbing pressure and launching rapid counter-attacks, leveraging the pace and directness of their forwards. Aymen Hussein frequently operates as a target man, holding up the ball to bring attacking midfielders like Zidane Iqbal into play.

Group Stage & Tournament Outlook

Iraq was drawn into Group I for the FIFA World Cup 2026, alongside formidable opponents: France, Norway, and Senegal.

Iraq's tournament journey proved challenging. They lost all three of their group matches and were eliminated without securing any points. Their results were:

• Iraq 1-4 Norway
• France 3-0 Iraq
• Senegal 5-0 Iraq

Despite the early exit, qualifying for the tournament after a four-decade wait was a significant achievement for Iraqi football.

Historical World Cup Record

The FIFA World Cup 2026 marked Iraq's second appearance in the tournament, with their only previous participation being in 1986. In both appearances, Iraq exited at the group stage without registering a win or a draw, scoring one goal in each tournament. Their 2026 campaign saw Aymen Hussein score Iraq's second-ever World Cup goal against Norway.