World Cup 2026: Iraq national team squad – Lions of Mesopotamia return to global stage after 40-year wait
08:17, 16 May 2026
Iraq will make a long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup in 2026, ending a 40-year absence from football’s biggest tournament and reigniting hopes across the nation.
The Lions of Mesopotamia are appearing at the finals for only the second time in their history. While they are not among the favourites to progress deep into the competition, qualification alone represents a landmark achievement and a significant moment for Iraqi football.
Supporters now hope their team can seize the opportunity to make an impact on the world stage in North America.
Iraq national team
Year founded: 1950
Most appearances: Younis Mahmoud (148 matches)
Top scorer: Hussein Saeed (78 goals)
Captain: Jalal Hassan
FIFA ranking (April 2026): 57
Qualifying round results
Iraq secured one of the most memorable achievements in the country’s football history by qualifying for the 2026 World Cup through the Asian qualifying campaign.
The nation claimed the final available place at the expanded 48-team tournament, ensuring a return to the global stage for the first time since 1986.
Qualification sparked celebrations across Iraq, with supporters witnessing a generation of players accomplish what many previous teams had narrowly failed to achieve. The success also highlighted the progress made by Iraqi football in recent years as the team emerged from a highly competitive qualification process.
Previous World Cup performance
The 2026 tournament will mark Iraq’s second appearance at a FIFA World Cup.
Their only previous participation came in Mexico in 1986, when they were drawn against strong opponents in Belgium, Paraguay and the host nation. Iraq lost all three matches and were eliminated in the group stage.
However, that campaign still produced a historic moment when the team scored its first World Cup goal against Belgium, a milestone that remains a source of pride for Iraqi football supporters.
Four decades later, a new generation has the chance to write its own chapter in World Cup history.
Head coach: Graham Arnold
Graham Arnold has quickly become a popular figure among Iraqi supporters.
The Australian coach guided the Australia national football team to the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup before leaving his position during the early stages of the 2026 qualifying cycle.
His decision to take charge of Iraq was viewed as an ambitious challenge, and he immediately immersed himself in the role by spending significant time in the country to better understand the players, culture and football environment.
Arnold’s hands-on approach has earned widespread respect, and many supporters credit him with helping create the belief that qualification was possible.
The World Cup now presents the biggest test of his tenure so far.
Star player: Aymen Hussein
Aymen Hussein enters the tournament as Iraq’s main attacking threat.
The 30-year-old striker has experienced a nomadic club career, playing in several countries including Qatar, Tunisia and Morocco, but his importance to the national team has never been in doubt.
Known for his physical strength, aerial ability and determination, Hussein was instrumental during the qualifying campaign. He scored nine goals, including the decisive strike against Bolivia that helped secure Iraq’s place at the World Cup.
Although not renowned for flair or technical brilliance, his ability to score crucial goals has made him one of the most important figures in the squad.
Predicted line-up
Iraq are expected to rely on a disciplined structure and collective spirit, with experienced players providing leadership alongside a group eager to prove themselves on the international stage.
World Cup 2026 group-stage fixtures
17 June
Iraq v Norway (05:00)
23 June
France v Iraq (04:00)
27 June
Senegal v Iraq (02:00)
Head-to-head record against group opponents
v Norway
Played: 2
Wins: 1
Draws: 1
Losses: 0
v France
Played: 0
Wins: 0
Draws: 0
Losses: 0
v Senegal
Played: 0
Wins: 0
Draws: 0
Losses: 0
Assessment
Iraq enter the 2026 World Cup as one of the tournament’s underdogs, but their qualification has already exceeded many expectations.
Facing France and Senegal will provide formidable challenges, while Norway also represent dangerous opposition. Nevertheless, the Lions of Mesopotamia have shown resilience throughout their journey to the finals and will be determined to compete fearlessly.
Progressing beyond the group stage would rank among the greatest achievements in Iraqi football history. Even if that proves difficult, their return to the World Cup after four decades stands as a powerful symbol of the nation’s footballing resurgence and ambition for the future.
