Iraq's 2026 World Cup squad: returning after 40 years and facing Spain in friendly

⚡ Key points AI generated

Iraq returns to a World Cup after 40 years (their only participation was in Mexico 1986) as one of the most emotional comebacks of the competition
They will face Spain in the friendly on 4 June, with Aymen Hussein as the team's top scorer with 33 goals
Managed by Australian Graham Arnold, they have players in European leagues such as Zidane Iqbal (Utrecht) and Ali Al-Hamadi (Luton Town, first Iraqi in Premier League)

Iraq pulls off one of the World Cup's most emotional comebacks (Group I). And it hits close to home: they're Spain's opponents in the friendly on 4 June. Get up to speed before you watch them.

🌟 Aymen Hussein (Al-Karma) is the killer and the hero of qualification: the team's top scorer with 33 goals. Up front alongside him is Mohanad Ali.

🧠 Zidane Iqbal (Utrecht), born in Manchester and a United academy product, calls the shots in midfield. And keep an eye on Ali Al-Hamadi (Luton), the first Iraqi to play in the Premier League.

📋 The dugout is run by Australian Graham Arnold, who took Australia to the round of 16 in Qatar 2022.

🦁 Iraq return to a World Cup 40 years on (their only previous appearance was Mexico 1986); they qualified by beating Bolivia 2-1 for the last ticket. The Lions of Mesopotamia are back at the big dance.

📋 Full squad · Manager: Graham Arnold

🧤 Goalkeepers

Fahad Talib (Al-Talaba), Jalal Hassan (Al-Zawraa, captain), Ahmed Basil (Al-Shorta)

🛡️ Defenders

Hussein Ali (Pogoń Szczecin), Manaf Younis (Al-Shorta), Zaid Tahseen (Pakhtakor), Rebin Sulaka (Port FC), Akam Hashem (Al-Zawraa), Merchas Doski (Viktoria Plzeň), Ahmed Yahya (Al-Shorta), Zaid Ismail (Al-Talaba), Frans Putros (Persib), Mustafa Saadoon (Al-Shorta)

⚙️ Midfielders

Amir Al-Ammari (Cracovia), Kevin Yakob (AGF), Zidane Iqbal (Utrecht), Aimar Sher (Sarpsborg 08), Ibrahim Bayesh (Al-Dhafra), Ahmed Qasim (Nashville SC), Youssef Amyn (AEK Larnaca), Marko Farji (Venezia)

⚽ Forwards

Ali Jassim (Al-Najma), Ali Al-Hamadi (Luton Town), Ali Yousef (Al-Talaba), Aymen Hussein (Al-Karma), Mohanad Ali (Dibba Al-Fujairah)

🏆 Group I

⚽ Opponents: France, Senegal and Norway

⚽ Don't miss a minute

Watch all of Iraq's matches here

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Frequently asked questions

Who is the Iraq manager for the 2026 World Cup?

Graham Arnold is the Iraq manager for the 2026 World Cup.

Which group is Iraq in for the 2026 World Cup?

Iraq is in Group I of the 2026 World Cup, alongside France, Senegal and Norway.

How many players does Iraq call up for the 2026 World Cup?

Iraq has submitted a squad of 26 players for the 2026 World Cup, in accordance with the FIFA format established for the tournament.

Where does Iraq play its matches in the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 World Cup is held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Iraq plays in Group I against France, Senegal and Norway.

Iraq Convocatoria Mundial 2026 Graham Arnold Zidane Iqbal Grupo I Amistoso España

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