After 40 years in the wilderness, Iraq returned to the World Cup their first appearance since 1986. Graham Arnold was the man tasked with guiding them back.
Iraq return to a World Cup for the first time since 1986 a 40-year gap. Graham Arnold replaced Jesús Casas in May 2025 and led Iraq through the inter-confederation play-offs, beating Bolivia 2-1 to seal qualification. The Lions of Mesopotamia's squad combines Al-Shorta and Al-Zawraa-based starters with European-exported talents.
Iraq found the group stage unforgiving, unable to pick up a single victory against their opponents. Their campaign featured a heavy 1-4 defeat to Norway, a heavy 0-3 defeat to France, and a heavy 0-5 defeat to Senegal. Senegal proved to be a step too far, and Iraq's campaign came to a decisive end in the the opening round.
3lost
1scored12conceded
Lost all 3 matches conceded 12 goals in 3 matches.
The standout performer for Iraq at the 2026 World Cup.
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1.7per match
Sulaka sent off vs Senegal Al-Ammari booked twice.
Aymen Hussein led Iraq's attack with 1 goal at the 2026 World Cup.
Arnold, 62, is an Australian manager who previously led the Socceroos to their best-ever World Cup result (round of 16, 2022). His appointment brought immediate tournament experience and tactical pragmatism to a squad that had struggled under previous coaches. Managed 2 nations at World Cups a Australian at the helm.
