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
Iraq arrives at the 2026 World Cup ranked #58 in the FIFA World Ranking with a tournament strength rating of 55/100. AFC (Asia) sends 8 teams to 2026. South Korea, Japan, and Australia have all reached the knockout rounds in recent tournaments.
The 48-team format puts Iraq in Group I with France, Senegal, Norway. On FIFA ranking alone, the group averages #29, with Iraq the lowest-ranked side. Top 2 advance automatically; the best 3rd-placed teams (8 of 12) also qualify for the Round of 32.
Iraq squad for World Cup 2026
Announced June 1, 2026 · 26 players · Head coach: Graham Arnold
Iraq's first World Cup appearance since 1986 -- only their second ever. Australian coach Graham Arnold (took the Socceroos to 2022) leads. Luton Town striker Ali Al-Hamadi and Manchester United academy graduate Zidane Iqbal (now at Utrecht) bring European experience to a squad rooted in domestic clubs Al Shorta and Al Talaba. Open against France in Boston on June 16.
Goalkeepers3
- Jalal HassanCaptain(Al Zawraa)100+ caps; Iraq's veteran keeper
- Fahad Talib(Al Talaba)
- Ahmed Basil(Al Shorta)
Defenders9
- Rebin Sulaka(Port)
- Manaf Younis(Al Shorta)
- Merchas Doski(Viktoria Plzen)
- Zaid Tahseen(Pakhtakor)
- Frans Putros(Persib)
- Hussein Ali(Pogon Szczecin)
- Ahmed Yahya(Al Shorta)
- Mustafa Saadoon(Al Shorta)
- Akam Hashim(Al Shorta)
Midfielders10
- Ibrahim Bayesh(Al Dhafra)
- Amir Al-Ammari(Cracovia)
- Ali Jasim(Al Najma)
- Youssef Amyn(AEK Larnaca)
- Zidane Iqbal(Utrecht)Manchester United academy product
- Marko Farji(Venezia)
- Kevin Yakob(AGF)
- Aimar Sher(Sarpsborg)
- Zaid Ismail(Al Talaba)
- Ahmed Qasem(Nashville SC)
Forwards4
- Aymen Hussein(Al Karma)
- Mohanad Ali(Dibba)
- Ali Al-Hamadi(Luton Town)
- Ali Yousif(Al Talaba)
Sources: Sports Illustrated, Al Jazeera. Squads may change due to injury or disciplinary action before the tournament.
Frequently asked questions about Iraq
When does Iraq play at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Iraq plays 3 scheduled group-stage matches starting June 16, 2026. The opener is against NOR. 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.