Team: Iraq

Iraq arrive at the 2026 World Cup having qualified from one of Asia's most competitive qualifying groups, continuing the national team's development over the past decade. The Lions of Mesopotamia play physical, disciplined football with genuine pace on the counter. Several key players compete in Europe and across Asia's top leagues. Iraq's qualification is a significant achievement for a football program that has developed through challenging conditions, and the national team draws on deep passion from a country where football is one of the most important cultural pillars. They will use the World Cup stage to show what Iraqi football can produce at the highest level.

The Lions of Mesopotamia return to the World Cup for the first time in 40 years, after defeating Bolivia 2-1 in the FIFA Playoff Tournament final in Monterrey, with goals from Ali Al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein sealing a historic result.