Iraq
Manager: Graham Arnold
Overview
Iraq are a team whose footballing achievements are remarkable given the decades of conflict and instability the nation has endured. The Lions of Mesopotamia won the 2007 Asian Cup in one of the most extraordinary sporting stories ever told, uniting a war-torn nation through football. Iraqi football continues to produce talented, technical players, many of whom compete in Gulf leagues. The team plays with pride and intensity, driven by the knowledge that their performances carry deep significance for millions of Iraqis at home and in the diaspora. Any World Cup qualification would be a powerful symbol of hope and resilience.
Squad
26 playersGoalkeepers3
Fahad Talib
Al-Talaba SC
Jalal Hassan
Al-Zawraa SC
Ahmed Basil
Al-Shorta SC
Defenders9
Rebin Sulaka
Port FC
Hussein Ali
Pogoń Szczecin
Zaid Tahseen
Pakhtakor Tashkent
Akam Hashem
Al-Zawraa SC
Manaf Younis
Al-Shorta SC
Ahmed Yahya
Al-Shorta SC
Merchas Doski
FC Viktoria Plzeň
Mustafa Saadoon
Al-Shorta SC
Frans Putros
Persib Bandung
Midfielders6
Ibrahim Bayesh
Al-Dhafra FC
Zidane Iqbal
FC Utrecht
Amir Al-Ammari
Cracovia
Kevin Yakob
Aarhus GF
Aimar Sher
Sarpsborg 08 FF
Zaid Ismail
Al-Talaba SC
Forwards8
Youssef Amyn
AEK Larnaca
Ali Al-Hamadi
Luton Town
Mohanad Ali
Dibba Al-Fujairah
Ahmed Qasem
Nashville SC
Ali Yousif
Al-Talaba SC
Ali Jasim
Al-Najma SC
Aymen Hussein
Al-Karma
Marko Farji
Venezia FC
World Cup History
Iraq have appeared at one World Cup, in 1986 in Mexico, where they were eliminated in the group stage after losses to Paraguay, Belgium, and a draw with Mexico. Despite not progressing, the 1986 squad is fondly remembered in Iraqi football. Their 2007 Asian Cup triumph remains the nation's greatest footballing achievement, accomplished during a period of devastating conflict.
Group I Opponents
Fun Fact
Iraq's 2007 Asian Cup victory was achieved while the country was in the midst of civil war. Players received death threats, the team couldn't play home matches in Iraq, and the streets of Baghdad erupted in celebration after the final despite ongoing violence.
Predict Iraq's Path to the Final
Think Iraq can win the 2026 World Cup? Use our free simulator to predict every match and build the ultimate bracket.