Iraq qualified for the 2026 World Cup by defeating Bolivia in an intercontinental playoff held in Mexico, ending a 40-year absence from the tournament [1, 2].

Iraq last appeared in the World Cup in 1986, where they lost all three group stage matches in their debut [1, 2]. The 2026 qualification campaign spanned 21 matches, with Graham Arnold serving as head coach from May 2025 onward [1, 2]. Arnold, aged 62, previously led Australia to the second round of the 2022 World Cup and brings extensive experience to the Iraqi side [1, 2].

The Iraqi squad features European-based players including Ali Al-Hamadi (Ipswich Town), Zidane Iqbal (Utrecht), Kevin Yakob (AGF Denmark) as well as players active in Scotland, Poland, Uzbekistan, the US, and Thailand [1, 2]. Their FIFA ranking at qualification stood at 57th [1].

Iraq will face a challenging group at the 2026 tournament, drawn alongside France, Norway, and Senegal [1, 2]. Karim Allawi commented, "This is truly a group of death and tougher than 1986. France are multiple-time world champions, Norway are one of the strongest developing European teams, and Senegal are African champions who have qualified for the World Cup several times" [1]. He added that the team aims to "score more than one goal," win a game, and potentially advance past the group stage, which would mark significant progress [1].

Nawar Faeq Al-Rikabi acknowledged perceptions of Iraq as the group's weakest team but expressed confidence in the squad's quality and potential, stating, "Anything could happen. We will be fine, there is no pressure on the Iraqi players, they just have to perform and we have quality players who can perform" [1]. He also praised coach Arnold's experience saying, "In 2022, Argentina found it very hard to win against Australia. It will be the same with us. He is very experienced and I think we will do something really good" [1].

Graham Arnold called the group "a group of excitement" highlighting the opportunity for many players to face top stars like Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Sadio Mane. He added, "As long as you go out there not scared to play, that you’re excited to play, then let's shock the world" [2].

During the campaign, Iraq faced difficulties in preparation due to regional Gulf conflicts impacting their schedule [2]. The decisive goal securing qualification came from key striker Aymen Hussein [2].

Iraq will open their World Cup group on June 16, 2026, against Norway in Boston [1].