World Cup 2026 | What can France expect from Iraq?


A year ago, when Graham Arnold was appointed, no one believed he could take Iraq to the World Cup. Morale was low after a 2-1 defeat to Palestine, where the team lost a late lead. The Lions of Mesopotamia were on track to qualify from their group, but after taking just one point from two matches, coach Jesús Casas was fired. In their first meeting, the Australian wrote the word “believe” on the board, asking the players if they had faith they could qualify. The 62-year-old has implemented a 4-3-3 formation and, recently, a bold 4-4-2 with two strikers. The players slowly began to believe in what Arnold was trying to do, prioritizing discipline on the field and changing mentality, with the goal of reaching the World Cup. The moment an entire nation began to believe was when Iraq were awarded a VAR penalty in the last minute of extra time against the United Arab Emirates in Basra last November. With the game tied at 1-1, Iraq needed a victory to advance to the inter-confederative playoff. It all came down to the last kick, in the 107th minute. Iraq's penalty taker, Amir Al Ammari, noticed that the Emirati goalkeeper was often launching himself early, and waited until the last moment to decide, placing the ball to his right and scoring the goal. Iraq were just one game away from securing their first World Cup appearance in 40 years with a final against Bolivia in Monterrey, their 21st qualification, but things were not easy. War has broken out in the Middle East, with airspace closed and flights suspended. Unable to assemble his squad, Arnold, stuck in a hotel in the Emirates, demanded that FIFA postpone the playoff, but the clouds parted and, after a 12-hour drive from Baghdad to Amman, and a 17-hour flight to Mexico, Iraq arrived at their destination 10 days before the game. "Do this for your families and be proud," Arnold rallied. Iraq scored 10 minutes after the start, but Bolivia equalized. 1-1 at half-time before Aymen Hussein scored to secure the 48th and final World Cup place. Arnold later said: "The players went through enormous stress and pressure on the backs of 46 million people in Iraq to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 40 years. Every one of those games was a struggle or a struggle to survive." Iraq fans will travel to Foxborough, Philadelphia and Toronto to watch the games. Iraqi-Americans live throughout the US, with large numbers in Michigan, California and Illinois, while there are many in Canada, especially in the province of Ontario. Decades of conflict have scattered Iraqis across the world, and they will appear at the World Cup of all places, like the Iraqi national team itself, a representation of the nation's past, present and future. After 40 years, Iraqis are just happy to be back and be part of the global football community again. If the fans start chanting: "Who told you to play Toba (football)?" for opposing fans, this will signify that things are going well for Iraq on the pitch, a popular taunt rather than a corner. People may also hear: "With spirit, with blood, we redeem you, Iraq." A popular chant under SaddamHussein, with the deposed former leader's name now replaced by Iraq.