Iraq

Tournament outlook

As of July 19, 2026, Iraq have a 0.1% market-implied probability of winning the 2026 World Cup (+99900), the 42nd-best odds of any team, based on live model estimates.

Iraq reach the finals for the first time since 1986. Graham Arnold's side will be organised and spirited, treating the tournament as a milestone.

Managed by Graham Arnold, Iraq head into the 2026 World Cup in Group I, where they face France, Senegal, Norway. With a FIFA ranking of #57, expectations are calibrated accordingly, but tournament football has a way of rewriting the script.

Key players

Aymen Hussein

ST · Al-Qadsiah

Ayman Hussein Ghadhban Al-Mafraje, nicknamed Abu Tubar, is an Iraqi professional footballer who plays as a striker for Iraq Stars League side Al-Karma and the Iraq national team.

Ali Al-Hamadi

ST · Ipswich Town

Ali Ibrahim Karim Ali Al-Hamadi is an Iraqi professional footballer who plays as a forward for Premier League club Ipswich Town.

Zidane Iqbal

CM · Utrecht

Zidane Ammar Iqbal is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Eredivisie club Utrecht.

Strengths & weaknesses

How far can Iraq go?

Iraq will treat the group stage as their proving ground. An upset over a higher-ranked side would make their tournament a success. Follow our matchup previews and live odds throughout the group stage to track their progress.