Group I · Match 18Full time
- A. Hussein 39'
- Z. Tahseen 86'
- E. Haaland 29'
- E. Haaland 43'
- L. Østigard 76'
- A. Hussein (OG) 90'+6'
Iraq
Group IFIFA ranking #58AFCIRQ
2nd appearance · First since 1986
Profile
Forty years after their only previous World Cup appearance in Mexico 1986, Iraq came through gruelling intercontinental play-offs to spark celebrations of extraordinary scale across one of the world's most passionate football nations. The 2007 Asian Cup champions — when their victory provided a rare moment of national unity during one of the most difficult periods in Iraqi history — carry a deeply emotional significance every time they represent their country. Aymen Hussein has been one of the AFC's most consistent strikers for several seasons. Ali Al-Hamadi brings English Championship experience from Stoke City. Zidane Iqbal, a former Manchester United academy product who chose Iraq, plays for Utrecht and represents the next wave of diaspora talent. Coach Jesus Casas has built a structured, disciplined side that is hard to break down. Facing France is the dream game, and the possibility of a point against Norway or Senegal is within Iraq's capabilities.
Iraq fixtures
Group I · Match 42Full time
- K. Mbappé 14'
- K. Mbappé 54'
- O. Dembélé 66'
- A. Al-Ammari 6'
Group I · Match 62Full time
- H. Diarra 4'
- A. Seck 18'
- I. Sarr 56'
- P. Gueye 59'
- P. Gueye 71'
- P. Gueye 81'
- I. Ndiaye 82'
- R. Sulaka 13'
- A. Al-Ammari 75'
- M. Doski 90'
Players to watch
Aymen Hussein
Forward · Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya
Iraq's most prolific domestic striker and a consistent scorer in the AFC Champions League across multiple seasons, Hussein gives his national team a reliable target in the penalty area. His movement, composure under pressure and experience leading the Iraqi club football scene make him the focal point of everything Iraq do in attack.
Ali Al-Hamadi
Forward · Stoke City
One of the Championship's most consistent performers, Al-Hamadi brings English football physicality and persistence to Iraq's forward line. His ability to run at defenders, score from difficult angles and contribute throughout the full 90 minutes makes him Iraq's most experienced European-based player and a key figure in their World Cup ambitions.
Zidane Iqbal
Midfielder · Utrecht
A Manchester United academy product who chose to represent Iraq, Iqbal has established himself as a regular starter in the Eredivisie with Utrecht. His technical quality, composure on the ball and ability to connect defence and attack with intelligent passing give Iraq a creative midfield option that elevates them above most other Asian competitors.