Iraq 2026 FIFA World Cup Fixtures, Match schedule, Date, Kick-off Time, Venues, Squad, Key Players, History

Iraq has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the final (48th) team, defeating Bolivia 2-1 in the intercontinental playoff on April 1, 2026, in Monterrey, Mexico. This marks their first appearance since 1986 (Mexico), ending a 40-year wait.

Iraq World Cup 2026

Iraq, the Lions of Mesopotamia, return to the FIFA World Cup stage in 2026 after a dramatic qualification journey. As underdogs in a tough Group I featuring France, Senegal, and Norway, they carry the hopes of a nation. Coached by Graham Arnold (former Australia boss), they aim to defy expectations with resilience, key European-based talents, and attacking threats like Aymen Hussein.

Iraq World Cup 2026 Overview

Group: I (with France, Senegal, Norway).

Head Coach: Graham Arnold.

FIFA Ranking (approx. as of mid-2026): Around 57th.

Style: Compact defense, counter-attacks, set-piece strength, and fighting spirit. They are seen as one of the tournament's biggest underdogs but motivated to "shock the world."

Venues: Matches in the US and Canada (Boston/Foxborough, Philadelphia, Toronto).

Iraq Key Players to Watch at World Cup

Aymen Hussein (Striker, Al-Karma): Top scorer in Asian qualifying (8 goals); scored the playoff winner vs. Bolivia. Physical target man and finisher.

Ali Al-Hamadi (Forward, Ipswich Town): Premier League experience; scored in the playoff. Versatile attacker.

Amir Al-Ammari (Midfielder, Cracovia): Creative hub, set-piece specialist, defensive anchor. Born in Sweden.

Zidane Iqbal (Midfielder, Utrecht): Former Manchester United youth; technical playmaker.

Jalal Hassan (GK, Captain): Experienced leader who returned for the finals.
Others: Ali Jasim (winger), Merchas Doski (defender), Ahmed Qasem (attacking mid).

Iraq World Cup History

Iraq's only prior appearance was in 1986 (Mexico), where they lost all three group games (0-1 vs. Paraguay, 1-2 vs. Belgium — goal by Ahmed Radhi — 0-2 vs. Mexico), finishing with 1 goal and 0 points. They have never advanced from the group stage but boast strong Asian Cup performances historically. Qualification for 2026 is a historic achievement after navigating a long AFC campaign and playoffs.

Iraq 2026 World Cup Opponents

France: Defending powers with stars like Kylian Mbappé; heavy favorites.

Senegal: Strong African side led by Sadio Mané; physical and organized.

Norway: Talented with Erling Haaland; dangerous counter-attacking threat.

Iraq faces a very difficult group and will need upsets for knockout progression.

Iraq 2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule, Kick-off Times, Full Match Fixtures, Venue

All Times (ET, GMT, CEST)

All times approximate; confirm locally as they can vary slightly by source.

June 16, 2026: Iraq vs Norway — Boston Stadium (Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA) — 5:00 PM ET (22:00 GMT, 23:00 CEST).

June 22, 2026: France vs Iraq — Philadelphia Stadium (Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA) — 4:00/5:00 PM ET (21:00/22:00 GMT, 22:00/23:00 CEST).

June 26, 2026: Senegal vs Iraq — Toronto Stadium (BMO Field, Toronto, ON) — 2:00/3:00 PM ET (19:00/20:00 GMT, 20:00/21:00 CEST).

How to Watch World Cup 2026 in Iraq: TV Channel, Live Streaming

In Iraq and the MENA region, beIN Sports holds exclusive rights (beIN Sports MAX channels) with Arabic/English commentary. Streaming via TOD and beIN CONNECT. Some matches may air free-to-air on channels like Al Iraqiya Sports. Check local listings for Iraq-specific games.

Iraq World Cup 2026 Squad (Full 26-Players List)

Based on the final squad announced around early June 2026 (minor adjustments possible for injuries).

Goalkeepers: Fahad Talib (Al-Talaba), Jalal Hassan (Al-Zawraa), Ahmed Basil (Al-Shorta).

Defenders: Hussein Ali (Pogoń Szczecin), Manaf Younis (Al-Shorta), Zaid Tahseen (Pakhtakor), Rebin Sulaka (Port), Akam Hashem (Al-Zawraa), Merchas Doski (Viktoria Plzeň), Frans Putros (Persib Bandung), Mustafa Saadoon (Al-Shorta), Ahmed Maknzi (replacement), others like Ahmed Yahya.

Midfielders: Amir Al-Ammari (Cracovia), Zidane Iqbal (Utrecht), Zaid Ismail (Al-Talaba), Ibrahim Bayesh, Ahmed Qasem (Nashville SC), Youssef Amyn, Marko Farji, Aimar Sher, Kevin Yakob.

Forwards: Aymen Hussein (Al-Karma), Ali Al-Hamadi (Ipswich Town), Ali Jasim (Como), Ali Youssef, Mohanad Ali.

Iraq Predicted Lineups / World Cup 2026 Playing XI

A common consensus 4-2-3-1 or similar formation under Arnold emphasizes solidity:

GK: Fahad Talib or Jalal Hassan.
Defense: Merchas Doski / Hussein Ali (RB), Rebin Sulaka / Manaf Younis / Zaid Tahseen (CBs), Akam Hashem or others (LB).
Midfield: Amir Al-Ammari (anchor), Zidane Iqbal or Ahmed Qasem.
Attack: Ali Jasim / Youssef Amyn (wings), Aymen Hussein (ST), Ali Al-Hamadi (support).

Additional Relevant Headings

Coach Profile Graham Arnold brings World Cup experience from Australia. He emphasizes fearless, attacking football and team unity.

Group Stage Outlook and Predictions Iraq are outsiders but could cause problems with organization and set pieces. Advancing would require at least one major result (draw or win).

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