Iraq qualified for their first World Cup since 1986 with a play-off victory over Bolivia in March 2026.
The Lions of Mesopotamia returned to the World Cup stage by defeating Bolivia in a March playoff, held in Mexico where Iraq first appeared in 1986. Forty years ago, Karim Allawi was part of the squad that lost all three group matches against Paraguay, Belgium and hosts Mexico. Now a supporter, Allawi watches as a new generation prepares to face Norway, France and Senegal in the tournament. The 66-year-old believes the upcoming group poses a greater challenge than the 1986 campaign.
The current Iraq team, ranked 57th globally, boasts players with European club experience including Ali Al-Hamadi of Ipswich Town, former Manchester United midfielder Zidane Iqbal now at Utrecht in the Netherlands, and Kevin Yakob who helped AGF win the Danish league. Graham Arnold, hired in 2025 after leading Australia to the 2022 World Cup second round, guided Iraq through the third and fourth qualification rounds, a tight play-off win over the United Arab Emirates and the decisive victory against Bolivia in 21 qualification matches.
Nawar Faeq Al-Rikabi, a TV sports reporter, believes the team can surprise despite being seen as the group's underdogs. He stated there is no pressure on the players, only the expectation to perform, highlighting the quality available. Al-Rikabi compared the impact of Arnold to Argentina's struggles against Australia in 2022, expressing confidence the coach's experience will help Iraq achieve something significant. The goals include scoring more than one goal, winning a match and potentially advancing, achievements long awaited by a patient fanbase.
Allawi reflected on the national team's journey through wars, political turmoil, economic hardships and international sanctions that delayed their return for four decades. He also cited poor planning during qualifiers and insufficient match preparation as contributing factors. The late Saddam Hussein's regime heavily influenced football, with his son Uday overseeing a brutal system of punishments including forced training with concrete balls, beatings and imprisonments after the regime fell in 2003.
The 2003 US-led invasion created ongoing instability that still impacts football logistics today. Iraq has not hosted a World Cup qualifier in Baghdad since that conflict began. In March 2020, FIFA approved Basra for home games, ending reliance on foreign venues like Jordan, Malaysia and Iran. The 2026 qualification playoff nearly faced postponement due to Middle East conflicts, complicating travel for players and coach Arnold, though they ultimately arrived in Mexico and returned to Baghdad for a celebratory open-top bus parade.
Iraq qualified for the 1986 World Cup with a 3-1 victory over Syria during the Iran-Iraq war, forcing the match to Saudi Arabia. Allawi recalled the emotional weight of playing away and the massive public celebrations upon returning home. The 1980s team reached three consecutive Olympics and won multiple regional championships. Allawi started most qualifiers but missed the World Cup opener against Paraguay due to an injury suffered the day before the match.
Iraq suffered a 1-0 loss to Paraguay in a match still debated in Baghdad. Ahmed Rahdi scored an equalizer but the referee blew for half-time before the corner reached the area. Allawi also cited poor refereeing decisions against Belgium, including a red card and missed chances to equalize. Despite the setbacks, he described the World Cup atmosphere as unmatched with legendary players and massive crowds creating unforgettable memories.