Iraq World Cup 2026 Team Guide
Follow the Iraq World Cup 2026 Team with this team guide covering the projected squad, coaching staff, group stage schedule, key players, and useful links. This page is designed to help fans quickly find Iraq match information and learn more about the team heading into the tournament.
Iraq will play in Group I and opens group play against Norway before facing France and Senegal.
๐ฎ๐ถ Iraq Team Overview
Iraq returns to the World Cup for the first time in decades and arrives with renewed belief after a dramatic qualification path. The squad blends domestic-league experience with players based abroad and will try to compete hard in a difficult group.
- Confederation: AFC
- Group: Group I
- Head coach: Graham Arnold
- Nickname: Lions of Mesopotamia
๐ Iraq Match Schedule World Cup 2026
| Date | Match | Time | City | Stadium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 16, 2026 | Iraq vs Norway | 6:00 PM | Boston | Gillette Stadium |
| June 23, 2026 | France vs Iraq | 3:00 PM | Philadelphia | Lincoln Financial Field |
| June 27, 2026 | Senegal vs Iraq | 9:00 PM | Toronto | BMO Field |
Time zone note: All match times listed below are shown in Eastern Time (ET).
Convert match times here: Match Time Converter
๐ฅ Iraq Projected Squad
This projected Iraq squad is based on the recent national-team player pool and current senior core. The final World Cup roster may change before the tournament begins.
๐งค Goalkeepers
- Fahad Talib
- Ahmed Basil
- Kamel Al-Rekabe
๐ก๏ธ Defenders
- Rebin Sulaka
- Manaf Younis
- Merchas Doski
- Frans Putros
- Hussein Ali
- Zaid Tahseen
- Akam Hashim
- Ahmed Maknzi
โ๏ธ Midfielders
- Ibrahim Bayesh
- Amir Al-Ammari
- Ali Jasim
- Youssef Amyn
- Zidane Iqbal
- Osama Rashid
๐ฏ Forwards
- Aymen Hussein
- Mohanad Ali
- Ali Al ุญู ุงุฏู
- Youssef Amyn
- Justin Meram
๐งโ๐ซ Iraq Coaching Staff
- Head Coach: Graham Arnold
- Assistant Staff: Official tournament staff can be updated here as Iraq confirms the final World Cup setup.
๐ฅ Key Iraq Players To Watch
- Aymen Hussein โ Iraqโs main scoring threat and a key presence in the box.
- Zidane Iqbal โ a midfielder who can help Iraq progress the ball and keep possession.
- Ali Jasim โ one of Iraqโs most exciting attacking players.
- Youssef Amyn โ a versatile attacking option with creativity and energy.
- Merchas Doski โ an important defender on the flank.
- Amir Al-Ammari โ a central midfielder who helps link play.
๐ Predicted Starting XI
This is a projected lineup only and may change based on fitness, form, and tactics.
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- GK: Ahmed Basil
- DEF: Hussein Ali, Rebin Sulaka, Manaf Younis, Merchas Doski
- MID: Amir Al-Ammari, Zidane Iqbal
- ATT MID: Ali Jasim, Ibrahim Bayesh, Youssef Amyn
- FWD: Aymen Hussein
๐ Iraq World Cup History
Iraqโs previous World Cup appearance came in 1986, so qualifying for 2026 marks a major moment for the national team. The return to the tournament is one of the biggest achievements in modern Iraqi football.
๐ Iraq Group Information
Iraq is in Group I alongside:
- Iraq
- Norway
- France
- Senegal
๐ More Iraq World Cup Links
- Full World Cup 2026 Schedule (Eastern Time)
- Printable World Cup Schedule PDF
- World Cup 2026 Groups Hub
- World Cup 2026 Teams Hub
๐ Official Team Website
For official announcements, confirmed squad news, and federation updates, visit the official Iraq federation website:
Note: Projected squads and starting lineups can change before the start of World Cup 2026.