The Lions of Mesopotamia Return To The Global Stage After 40 Years
IRAQ
The Lions of Mesopotamia return to the FIFA World Cup after a 40-year wait.
Head Coach
Australian coach Graham Arnold revived Iraq’s qualification dream after taking over in 2025. After guiding Australia to the knockout stage in Qatar 2022, he now leads Iraq back to the World Cup for the first time since 1986.
World Cup Group
June 16: Iraq vs Norway — Boston Stadium
June 22: France vs Iraq — Philadelphia Stadium
June 26: Senegal vs Iraq — Toronto Stadium
World Cup History
Iraq will play in its second FIFA World Cup after its historic debut at Mexico 1986. The team is still searching for its first win at the tournament.
Back On The Biggest Stage
Four decades after their only World Cup appearance, Iraq returns to football’s biggest stage carrying the hopes of an entire nation. The Lions of Mesopotamia survived a dramatic qualifying journey that lasted 21 matches and ended with a decisive playoff victory over Bolivia in Monterrey.
This new Iraqi generation combines resilience, tactical discipline and attacking quality. Led by stars like Aymen Hussein and Amir Al Ammari, Iraq now hopes to write a new chapter in its football history.
Iraq World Cup Facts
- Confederation: AFC
- World Cup Appearances: 2
- Best Result: Group Stage (1986)
- Last Appearance: Mexico 1986
- All-Time World Cup Record: 3 matches, 0 wins
- Only World Cup Goalscorer: Ahmed Radhi
Players To Watch
Aymen Hussein
The powerful striker is Iraq’s main attacking reference and biggest goal threat.
Amir Al Ammari
A creative midfield leader capable of controlling the rhythm and creating chances.
Ali Al Hamadi
The young forward brings energy, movement and finishing ability to Iraq’s frontline.
IRAQ
Goalkeepers
- #1 Fahad Talib (Al Talaba SC, Iraq)
- #22 Ahmed Basil (Al Shorta SC, Iraq)
- #17 Jalal Hassan (Al Zawraa SC, Iraq)
Defenders
- #2 Rebin Sulaka (Port FC, Thailand)
- #3 Hussein Ali (Pogoń Szczecin, Poland)
- #4 Zaid Tahseen (Pakhtakor Tashkent, Uzbekistan)
- #5 Akam Hashem (Al Zawraa SC, Iraq)
- #6 Munaf Younis (Al Shorta SC, Iraq)
- #14 Zidane Iqbal (FC Utrecht, Netherlands)
- #15 Ahmed Maknazi (Al Karma SC, Iraq)
- #23 Merchas Doski (FC Viktoria Plzeň, Czech Republic)
- #25 Mustafa Saadoon (Al Shorta SC, Iraq)
- #26 Frans Putros (Persib Bandung, Indonesia)
Midfielders
- #7 Youssef Amyn (Al Arabi SC, Qatar)
- #8 Ibrahim Bayesh (Al Dhafra FC, UAE)
- #11 Ahmed Qasem (Nashville SC, USA)
- #16 Amir Al-Ammari (Al Taawoun FC, Saudi Arabia)
- #18 Aymen Hussein (Al Kharaitiyat SC, Qatar)
- #19 Kevin Yakob (Aarhus GF, Denmark)
- #20 Aimar Sher (Sarpsborg 08, Norway)
- #24 Zaid Ismail (Al Talaba SC, Iraq)
Forwards
- #9 Ali Al-Hamadi (Luton Town, England)
- #10 Mohanad Ali (Dibba FC, UAE)
- #12 Jalal Hassan (Al Zawraa SC, Iraq)*
- #13 Ali Youssef (Al Talaba SC, Iraq)
- #21 Mako Farji (Venezia FC, Italy)
* Nella lista FIFA il n.12 risulta “Ahmed Qasem”, mentre Jalal Hassan è il n.17 portiere. Nella rosa sintetica da te fornita c’è una piccola incongruenza.
Head Coach
Graham Arnold (Australia)
