2
WC Appearances
including 2026
Group Stage
Best Result
all-time
None
Titles
yet to win
#65
FIFA Ranking
April 2026 (approx.)
About Iraq
Iraq make a historic return to the World Cup stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending a staggering 40-year absence since Mexico 1986 - one of the tournament's most remarkable comeback stories. The Lions of Mesopotamia, coached by Spanish tactician Jesús Casas, have steadily improved in Asian football, winning the 2023 Gulf Cup and performing competitively in AFC qualification. Group I against France, Senegal, and Norway is an enormously difficult draw that could test Iraq's defensive resolve game after game. But Iraq's qualification alone is a story of national pride, political resilience, and the enduring power of football to unite a nation that has faced extraordinary challenges.
Team Base Camp
🇺🇸 USA
Base camp
White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
Lions of Mesopotamia base at The Greenbrier resort's high-end sports performance facility in the West Virginia mountains. First WC in 40 years for Iraq, and the seclusion of a private resort suits a federation that prefers tight media control.
Per FIFA regulations (§18.3), Iraq stays at this base camp for the entire group stage and travels to each match venue one day before kickoff (and returns the same night or the next day).
Distance to each group-stage match
Straight-line distance from White Sulphur Springs to each match stadium. Actual travel adds airport time on flights.
Key Players
Fahad Talib
Akam Hashim
Hasan Abdulkareem
Aimar Sher
Aymen Hussein
Head Coach
Jesús Casas
2026 Group
Group I
Iraq at the 2026 World Cup
All times shown are local to the stadium
World Cup History
| Year | Stage Reached | |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Group Stage |
2 appearances total · Includes all World Cups as Iraq
Iraq World Cup 2026 FAQ
What group is Iraq in for the 2026 World Cup?+
Iraq is in Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside France, Senegal, Norway.
Who is the manager of Iraq at the 2026 World Cup?+
Jesús Casas manages Iraq at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
What is Iraq's FIFA ranking?+
Iraq is ranked #65 in the FIFA World Rankings heading into the 2026 World Cup.
How many World Cups has Iraq played in?+
Iraq has appeared in 2 FIFA World Cups including 2026. Their best result is Group Stage.
When does Iraq play in the 2026 World Cup?+
Iraq's 2026 World Cup group stage matches: June 16 vs Norway; June 22 vs France; June 26 vs Senegal. Knockout matches are determined by group stage results.
Who are Iraq's key players for the 2026 World Cup?+
Key players to watch for Iraq include Fahad Talib, Akam Hashim, Hasan Abdulkareem, Aimar Sher, Aymen Hussein.
Where is Iraq's base camp for the 2026 World Cup?+
Iraq will be based in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia (USA), training at The Greenbrier Sports Performance Center. Per FIFA regulations, the team stays at this base camp throughout the group stage and travels to match venues one day before each game.