AFC · Group I
Iraq at FIFA World Cup 2026
Iraq qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the first 48-team edition, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Group I opponents
Iraq plays the following three teams in the group stage. Top 2 advance to the Round of 32; the 3rd-placed team can still advance via the best-3rd-placed playoff route (8 of 12 third-placed teams qualify).
Iraq fixtures
Iraq in the tournament
AFC (Asia) sends 8 teams to 2026. South Korea, Japan, and Australia have all reached the knockout rounds in recent tournaments.
The 2026 World Cup is the largest in tournament history, with 48 teams divided into 12 groups of 4. The top 2 from each group advance automatically, along with the 8 best 3rd-placed teams from across all groups. That puts Iraq in Group I with France, Senegal, Norway, competing for one of the 32 knockout slots.
Frequently asked questions about Iraq
When does Iraq play at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Iraq plays 3 scheduled group-stage matches starting June 17, 2026. The opener is against FRA. See the full fixtures list below for every kickoff time and venue.
What group is Iraq in at the World Cup 2026?
Iraq is in Group I alongside France, Senegal, Norway. The top two from each group advance to the Round of 32, plus the 8 best 3rd-placed teams across all 12 groups.
What is Iraq's FIFA ranking?
Iraq entered the FIFA World Cup 2026 ranked #58 in the FIFA World Ranking. This places them in the wider qualifier pool. Rankings update through the qualification cycle.
Can Iraq win the World Cup 2026?
Iraq's pre-tournament strength rating is 55/100, derived from FIFA ranking, recent form, and squad depth. They are tournament debutants or lower-ranked qualifiers; reaching the second round would be a notable achievement. Try them in the bracket predictor to test your scenario.