Iraq

Iraq's World Cup history is brief but deeply meaningful. Their sole appearance came at Mexico 1986, where the Lions of Mesopotamia qualified against the backdrop of the Iran-Iraq war. In that tournament, they faced Paraguay, Belgium, and hosts Mexico, losing all three matches but gaining invaluable experience on the global stage. For nearly four decades, Iraq remained absent from football's greatest show, despite winning the AFC Asian Cup in 2007 — a triumph that stands as one of the most inspirational stories in football history. Iraq's qualification for 2026 came through the FIFA Play-Off Tournament, a grueling path that tested the squad's resolve and unity. Securing a place in the expanded 48-team World Cup is a monumental achievement for Iraqi football, reflecting two decades of steady progress through Asian competitions and the development of a new generation of talent. This return carries immense emotional significance for a football-mad nation that has waited too long to see its colors on the world's biggest stage once more.

Aymen Hussein is Iraq's most prolific attacking weapon and the focal point of their offense. The powerful striker has developed a reputation for clutch goals in AFC competitions, using his physical presence and intelligent positioning to trouble defenses throughout Asian qualifying. Ali Jasim, the young winger currently playing in Italy, represents Iraq's exciting next generation — quick, technically gifted, and fearless when running at defenders. Ibrahim Bayesh provides creativity from midfield, capable of delivering the incisive passes that unlock organized defensive blocks. Goalkeeper Jalal Hassan brings veteran experience and leadership, having been a mainstay of the national team setup for over a decade. Zidane Iqbal, formerly of Manchester United's academy and now at Utrecht, adds a European-trained dimension to Iraq's midfield — his composure on the ball and tactical awareness are assets Iraq have historically lacked. The squad blends domestic league warriors with a growing contingent of players gaining experience abroad.

Iraq returns to the World Cup after 40 years with minimal external expectations — and that suits them perfectly. The Lions of Mesopotamia were not supposed to qualify in 1986 either, yet they made it. This squad carries the spirit of a nation that has consistently defied the odds in Asian football. The expanded tournament format gives teams like Iraq a genuine opportunity to be competitive. Avoiding the tournament's genuine heavyweights in the group stage draw would give them a fighting chance at progressing. Realistically, Iraq's primary goal is to secure their first World Cup victory — a single win would be celebrated as a national triumph. The team's physical approach, collective defending, and threat on set pieces make them a difficult opponent for any side expecting a straightforward contest. The emotional weight of returning to the World Cup after four decades cannot be underestimated; this team is capable of producing a result that writes a new chapter in Iraqi football folklore.