FIFA Ranking #58 · 2 World Cups · Best: Group Stage
Iraq's return to the World Cup after a 40-year absence is a source of immense national pride. The Lions of Mesopotamia have developed steadily under AFC development programmes and Spanish technical expertise. Group K is demanding but offers genuine opportunities against DR Congo.
Group I opponents
Bashar Resan
⭐ Star PlayerAnorthosis Famagusta
Midfielder
42
Caps
8
Goals
27
Age
Iraq's most consistent performer in recent Asian qualifying campaigns — intelligent, technically accomplished, and the creative heart of the team.
Aymen Hussein
Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya
Striker
50
Caps
24
Goals
28
Age
Iraq's prolific all-time scoring leader whose goals dragged them through Asian qualifying to this historic second World Cup.
Ali Adnan
PAOK
Left Back
68
Caps
6
Goals
31
Age
The most experienced international player in the squad — a veteran left-back who provides leadership and European experience.
Mohanad Ali
Al-Faisaly
Forward / Winger
30
Caps
10
Goals
25
Age
Pacy, direct forward who creates problems with his running and can deliver in key moments.
All times local to venue. Group stage results determine knockout seedings.
Norway
FIFA #39
Gillette Stadium
Boston, MA
France
FIFA #2
Lincoln Financial Field
Philadelphia, PA
Senegal
FIFA #20
BMO Field
Toronto, Canada
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2
Appearances
0
Titles
#58
FIFA Rank
Group Stage
Best Result
Iraq's only previous World Cup appearance was in 1986 in Mexico, where they drew one game but failed to advance. Four decades of conflict and political turbulence set back the game's development, but recent WAFF Championship successes and Asian Cup runs point to genuine progress. This qualification is celebrated as a national triumph.
Formation
Classic flat four, hard-working midfield block
Head Coach
Jesús Casas
Spanish · 4-4-2
Jesús Casas leads Iraq into the 2026 World Cup with a 4-4-2 system built around the squad's strengths.
The three teams Iraq must face in the group stage.
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