This article forms part of the coverage leading up to the World Cup 2026, featuring insights from various media outlets representing the 48 nations that qualified. As the tournament approaches, previews from three different countries will be shared daily, culminating in the event’s commencement on June 11.
The Vision
A year ago, the appointment of Graham Arnold as head coach was met with skepticism regarding Iraq’s chances of reaching the World Cup. The team’s spirits were at a nadir following a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Palestine, where they squandered their lead late in the match. The Lions of Mesopotamia had been in the running to qualify from their group, but after securing only one point from two matches, coach Jesús Casas was dismissed.
In his inaugural gathering, Arnold emphasized the word “believe” on the board, challenging the players to have faith in their ability to qualify. The 62-year-old tactician has utilized a 4-3-3 setup, recently experimenting with an audacious 4-4-2 formation featuring two strikers. Gradually, the players began to embrace Arnold’s vision, focusing on discipline and shifting their mentality, with the ultimate goal of World Cup qualification.
The turning point came in November when Iraq was awarded a penalty in the dying moments of the game against the UAE in Basra, thanks to the video assistant referee. With the score tied at 1-1, Iraq needed a win to progress to the Inter-Confederation playoff. The outcome hinged on the final kick. Amir Al-Ammari, Iraq’s designated penalty taker, had observed the UAE goalkeeper’s tendency to dive early and waited until the last moment to make his decision, sending the ball to his right and scoring.
Iraq: Group I Matches
16 June vs. Norway, Boston (6 PM local, 11 PM BST, 17 June 8 AM AEST)
22 June vs. France, Philadelphia (5 PM local, 10 PM BST, 23 June 7 AM AEST)
26 June vs. Senegal, Toronto (3 PM local, 8 PM BST, 27 June 5 AM AEST)
Iraq was just one game away from securing a spot in their first World Cup in four decades, facing Bolivia in Monterrey for their 21st qualifier. However, the situation was complicated by the outbreak of war in the Middle East, which resulted in flight cancellations and closed airspace. Stuck in a hotel in the UAE, Arnold urged FIFA to postpone the playoff. Eventually, after a grueling 12-hour drive from Baghdad to Amman and a 17-hour flight to Mexico, Iraq arrived just ten days before the crucial match.
“Do it for your families and make yourselves proud,” Arnold encouraged his players. Iraq scored within ten minutes, but Bolivia equalized, making it 1-1 at half-time, before Aymen Hussein scored the decisive goal, clinching the 48th and final World Cup spot. Arnold expressed, “The players have endured immense stress and pressure from 46 million people in Iraq, all eager to see our nation in the World Cup after 40 years. Every match has been a battle for survival.”
The Coach
Graham Arnold has made history as the first Australian to guide two nations to a World Cup, having previously led his native country to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar via the playoffs. When he stepped down as coach of the Socceroos two years ago, believing he had done all he could for Australia, few anticipated his next move would be to take the helm of Iraq. The Lions of Mesopotamia find themselves in a challenging group, which Arnold refers to as the “group of excitement,” alongside France, Norway, and Senegal. “Let’s embrace this challenge,” Arnold stated. “The pressure is on France to win, and also on Norway and Senegal to advance. Iraq has nothing to lose, so we will play with fearlessness, aim to surprise the world, and enjoy every moment.”
Star Player
Aymen Hussein, the star striker, has transformed from being ridiculed for his skills to scoring the pivotal goal that took Iraq to their first World Cup in four decades. “This has been a dream I’ve held since childhood. The hopes of 46 million Iraqis were with me as we strived to achieve this shared dream,” he reflected.
This journey is especially poignant for Hussein, who lost both his father and brother in the chaos following the 2003 U.S.-led invasion. He faced significant backlash and was often mocked for his performance, to the point where a coach had to intervene during a game to prevent him from taking a penalty.
During the last World Cup qualifying campaign, the team struggled, leading to fans expressing their dissatisfaction on social media with the hashtag “This team doesn’t represent me.” Aymen, targeted by frustrated supporters, confronted them after one qualifying match. However, he turned the tide, and after scoring the winner in Monterrey, he was rewarded with a diplomatic passport, three Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles, a villa, an apartment, a luxury gold iPhone 17 Pro Max, and a 200-square-meter plot of land. Today, he ranks among Iraq’s top five all-time goal scorers and is the highest-paid player in the Iraq Stars League, playing for Al-Karma.
One to Watch
Marko Farji’s early years are captured on video, where the young talent deftly maneuvers past defenders and scores goals. Those moments reflect his childhood training with his father in Grimstad, Norway, where he fell in love with football at the age of five. His skills caught the attention of clubs like Aston Villa, Liverpool, and Manchester City. After a trial with City, feedback suggested he needed to improve his physicality and mental toughness. This critique was hard for the then 11-year-old to hear. Now at 22, Farji has matured and become stronger, enjoying a breakout season with Strømsgodset in Norway’s Eliteserien, netting nine goals and earning a €1.3 million transfer to Serie A’s Venezia.
Unsung Hero
Amir Al-Ammari is often likened to Italy’s 1994 and 1998 World Cup midfielder Demetrio Albertini, as he plays a pivotal role in Iraq’s midfield. A graduate of Brøndby IF, Al-Ammari has evolved from a box-to-box midfielder to a modern No. 6, demonstrating technical prowess. His crucial late penalty that secured Iraq’s advancement to the playoff in Monterrey erased the painful memories of a previous misstep in the 2023 Asian Cup, where a misplaced pass led to an opening goal conceded against Jordan.
Projected Starting XI
What to Expect from Fans
Supporters from Iraq are expected to travel to Foxborough, Philadelphia, and Toronto for the matches. The Iraqi American community is widespread across the U.S., particularly in Michigan, California, and Illinois, with many also residing in Ontario, Canada. Years of conflict have dispersed Iraqis worldwide, but they will unite at the World Cup, symbolizing the country’s past, present, and future. After four decades, Iraqis are thrilled to return to the global football stage. If fans begin chanting “Who told you to play Toba [football]” at rival supporters, it will likely indicate a strong performance by Iraq on the field; this taunt is more a playful jab than a chant. Additionally, the phrase “With spirit, with blood, we redeem you, Iraq” may be heard, a chant that dates back to the Saddam Hussein era, now updated to honor the nation.
Relations with the U.S. and Trump
More than three decades ago, Adnan Dirjal, the president of the Iraq FA, who was also the national coach, proclaimed that if Iraq qualified for the 1994 World Cup in the U.S., “it would be the biggest slap to the monster that is America.” While many argue that politics and sports should remain separate, the World Cup will highlight how intertwined they are. Donald Trump has stated that the U.S. invasion of Iraq was a mistake. For Iraqi fans, their primary concern is to have their visa applications approved, to navigate U.S. Customs and Border Protection smoothly, to ensure security at matches, and to enjoy reasonable ticket prices.
