Iraq
Team Overview
Iraq's return to the World Cup for the first time since 1986 carries deep emotional resonance. The Lions of Mesopotamia are Asian football's most passionate story — technically gifted, tactically organized, and representing more than just football.
Iraq enters World Cup 2026 as an underdog story waiting to be written — every World Cup has its Cinderella, and this squad has nothing to lose. Under Jesús Casas's leadership, Iraq has developed a hard-working and organized identity that will be tested against the world's best.
World Cup History
Best Result: Group Stage (1986)
Titles: 0
While Iraq has yet to win the World Cup, their best finish of Group Stage (1986) demonstrates a history of competing at the highest level. The 2026 tournament represents another opportunity to write a new chapter in Iraq's football history.
Current Squad Strength
Limited top-level experience — will need to overperform to compete at this level.
Limited top-level experience — will need to overperform to compete at this level.
Limited top-level experience — will need to overperform to compete at this level.
Limited top-level experience — will need to overperform to compete at this level.
Key Players
Group I Analysis
Iraq competes in Group I alongside:
Iraq faces an uphill battle in Group I, but the expanded format means a third-place finish could still secure knockout football.
AI Tournament Projection
Our model projects Iraq's tournament trajectory based on 10,000 simulations:
Tournament ceiling: Round of 16 — a knockout appearance would represent a successful tournament for this developing football nation.