The Iraq national football team returns to the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a 40-year absence. The 2-1 win over Bolivia in Mexico secured Iraq's qualification to the finals. This match ended a four-decade wait. Iraq has not participated in the World Cup finals since 1986. During those years, the country underwent deep political and security transformations. But football remained a rare space for collective joy. Iraq's win in the 2007 Asian Cup was one of the most notable moments of sports recovery. However, the road to the 2026 World Cup was not easy. The Iraqi team went through long and difficult qualifiers before securing their qualification through the intercontinental playoffs in Monterrey. Iraq will play against Norway in Boston in a match that takes place on the evening of June 16. Graham Arnold is the current coach of the team. Iraq will rely on players like Ayman Hussein in the World Cup.