FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 · Group I
Iraq make their return to the FIFA World Cup stage for the first time since 1986 — a 40-year gap that makes their qualification one of the most emotionally resonant stories of the 2026 tournament.
Placed in Group I alongside France, Senegal, and Norway, the Lions of Mesopotamia face the toughest possible challenge for a returning nation.
Iraq made their World Cup debut in 1986 in Mexico — a pioneering appearance that showed the potential of football in a nation with deep passion for the sport. They were eliminated in the group stage but produced competitive performances.
The 40-year absence reflects a football history profoundly affected by geopolitical circumstances beyond the sport itself. The qualification for 2026 represents a triumph of football development over adversity.
Iraq under Jesús Casas operate in a technically disciplined 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 that uses the technical quality of their European-based players to control possession and press organized in midfield. The team is direct, physically capable, and has shown they can compete against strong regional opposition.
Goalkeeper: Jalal Hassan (Al-Zawraa) — experienced, reliable domestic goalkeeper.
Defenders: Ali Adnan (Colorado Rapids) — experienced left-back with Serie A background at Udinese. Rebin Sulaka — composed centre-back option.
Midfield: Amjad Attwan — energetic, disciplined defensive midfielder. Safaa Hadi — technically capable central option.
Attack: Aimen Hussein (Al-Zawraa) — Iraq's most dangerous attacker. Mohanad Ali (Al Shorta) — physical, experienced striker.
Hussein is Iraq's most dangerous attacking player. His combination of technical skill, pace, and directness make him a constant threat when he is given space to run. His goal record for the national team across Asian qualification reflects a forward who delivers in important moments.
Adnan's Serie A career gave Iraq an internationally experienced left-back whose technical quality and tactical understanding far exceed what the domestic Iraqi league alone can develop. His time at Udinese exposed him to competitive Italian football over multiple seasons.
Ali has been one of Iraq's most consistent goalscorers across their qualification campaign. His physical presence and ability to compete with centre-backs gives Iraq an aerial and physical focal point that complements the more direct qualities of Aimen Hussein.
Attwan provides Iraq with the defensive midfield foundation that allows more creative players to operate higher. His physical work rate, pressing discipline, and ability to break up opposition attacks before they develop are central to how Iraq maintain their defensive shape.
Emotional motivation of a 40-year return: Iraq's squad carries the weight of four decades of waiting — every player is aware of what this moment means.
Ali Adnan's European experience: A left-back with Serie A experience provides Iraq with a player of genuine international standard.
Tactical organization under Casas: A Spanish coach has brought European tactical discipline and structure to Iraq's preparation.
Group difficulty: France and Senegal are both significantly stronger. Iraq's realistic competitive opportunity is against Norway.
40-year absence from the World Cup: The entire squad is making their tournament debut simultaneously.
Limited European squad depth: Outside of Ali Adnan, Iraq's squad is predominantly domestic-based.
Iraq qualified through the AFC third-round campaign, topping their group ahead of strong regional competition. Their Asian Cup 2023 quarter-final participation gave the squad tournament experience. The consistency of their qualification performances reflects a team that is well-organized and collectively disciplined under Casas.
Iraq's realistic goal is to compete with pride and produce performances that honor the significance of their return after 40 years. The Norway match represents their clearest opportunity for a positive result.
For the Lions of Mesopotamia, the journey to the World Cup is already the greatest achievement in a generation — performing with dignity and giving their fans moments to celebrate is the foundational mission.
