The Iraq national football team returns to the World Cup 2026 after a 40-year absence. The team participates in the tournament for the second time in its history after its only appearance in the 1986 Mexico edition.

A Long-Awaited Return

Since then, Iraq has been absent from the world's biggest event, before finally succeeding in ending a 40-year wait and securing its place in the 2026 World Cup.

A New Generation with a Different Image

Iraq enters the current tournament with different characteristics than those it appeared with in its only previous participation, as the team relies on a mix of players with external experience and young elements eager to prove themselves on the biggest football stage. | Player | Position | Number of Games | | --- | --- | --- | | Ayman Hussein | Forward | 10 |

A Tough Group and an Early Test

The 2026 World Cup draw resulted in Iraq being placed in a strong group that includes France, Norway, and Senegal, a group that puts the team in front of big challenges from the first round.