World Cup 2026

Iraq

Eagles of Mesopotamia: Iraq's 40-Year Wait Is Finally Over

Out at the group stageFIFA #59Group I — France · Senegal · Norway

FutAve take

The Story

Forty years after their only World Cup appearance, Iraq return to the grandest stage having battled through more qualifying matches than any other nation. Drawn into Group I alongside France and Senegal, they arrive as underdogs with zero external pressure — and that, for Graham Arnold's side, is precisely the point.

How they qualified

Iraq played 21 qualifying matches — more than any team in the world — navigating the AFC rounds, an intercontinental playoff, and a final showdown against Bolivia to claim the 48th and last spot at the 2026 World Cup. Captain Amir Al-Ammari was the heartbeat of it all, scoring decisive penalties against the UAE and Bolivia. A managerial switch to Australian Graham Arnold in the final stretch proved the turning point that kept the dream alive.

Why watch

This is the ultimate nothing-to-lose story. Iraq face France, Senegal, and Norway — a gauntlet that has analysts predicting zero points — yet they qualified the hardest way possible. Watch them for the tactical discipline Graham Arnold will demand, the electric wide play on the flanks, and the slim but genuine chance of a Group I earthquake.

Squad spotlight

Players to Know

The Star

Amir Al-Ammari

Cracovia Kraków

The captain and penalty specialist at Cracovia Kraków whose nerves of steel sent Iraq to their first World Cup in four decades.

Why they matter

Amir Al-Ammari is the emotional and technical spine of this squad. He scored the winning penalties against both the UAE and Bolivia in the crunch moments of qualification — when Iraq needed a leader, he stepped up every time.

Watch for

His composure in high-pressure moments and ability to influence the game from deep midfield. In a group where Iraq will spend long spells without the ball, his reading of the game and capacity to break lines could be the difference between heroics and humiliation.

The X-Factor

Ali Al-Hamadi

Ipswich Town

Ali Al-Hamadi made history as the first Iraqi to play in the Premier League, bringing top-flight English football experience to the Eagles of Mesopotamia.

Why they matter

Against France and Senegal — two of the most physically imposing defences in the tournament — Iraq need a centre forward who can hold the line, win aerial duels, and create something from nothing. Al-Hamadi's Premier League education makes him that man.

Watch for

His ability to link play under pressure and turn half-chances into genuine threats. When Iraq sit deep and look to counter Group I's heavyweights, Al-Hamadi's movement and finishing instinct will define whether those rare moments become points on the board.

The Breakout Candidate

Zidane Iqbal

Jong FC Utrecht

Zidane Iqbal is a creative central midfielder developing his craft at Jong FC Utrecht, with a name already turning heads beyond Iraq's borders.

Why they matter

Iraq's qualification campaign was built on grit and collective discipline, but at this World Cup they need moments of individual brilliance to trouble elite defences. Iqbal's technical quality and forward-thinking instincts give Arnold an option to unlock games that pure defensive resilience cannot.

Watch for

His movement between the lines against Norway and Senegal. If he can find pockets of space in midfield and connect Al-Ammari's industry with Al-Hamadi's runs, Iqbal could announce himself as one of the tournament's most exciting young names.

The Veteran

Aymen Hussein

Aymen Hussein is the attacking talisman who scored the goal that finally propelled Iraq to North America, sealing a qualification story 40 years in the making.

Why they matter

He carries the weight of a nation's dreams on his shoulders. Hussein's crucial qualifying goal means he arrives at the World Cup as a folk hero before a ball is even kicked — and that kind of confidence is priceless when facing France's backline.

Watch for

His movement in behind defences and willingness to take on defenders in one-v-one situations. Iraq will look to him as the spark off the bench or from the start when they need to chase a game — his instincts in the final third are what separate Iraq from a team simply grateful to be here.

The FutAve Watch

Marko Farji

Venezia

Marko Farji plies his trade at Venezia, bringing Serie A flair to Iraq's left flank and offering Graham Arnold a genuine European-pedigree wide threat.

Why they matter

In a squad where many players come from the Iraqi domestic league, Farji's Italian football education gives Iraq a different dimension on the left. His technical sharpness and directness can trouble full-backs who may underestimate an Iraqi wide player.

Watch for

His dribbling in tight spaces and willingness to cut inside onto his stronger foot. Against Senegal and Norway — two sides with disciplined defensive structures — Farji's ability to beat his man and create chaos in transition could be Iraq's most unpredictable and rewarding weapon.

FutAve layer