Iraq
Iraq at World Cup 2026
Iraq (Lions of Mesopotamia) are drawn into Group I at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the first edition of the men's tournament with 48 teams. The competition runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
With a current FIFA ranking of #58 (estimated), Iraq look to improve on their best finish: Group stage (1986). Watch Aymen Hussein as the player to watch in this campaign.
Group I opponents
Iraq face three group-stage opponents in the race for the top two spots (and a possible 3rd-place wildcard slot) in the Round of 32:
How Iraq qualifies for the knockout round
In the new 48-team format, two teams from each of the 12 groups automatically advance to the Round of 32. The eight best third-place finishers across all groups also advance as wildcards. Iraq need to finish top 2 of Group I to lock a guaranteed spot — or land 3rd with strong points and goal difference.
Will Iraq go all the way?
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