AFC · IC PLAYOFF 2 · FIFA WORLD CUP 2026

Iraq WC2026

Lions of Mesopotamia — 40 Years and Counting

Iraq last played in a FIFA World Cup in 1986 in Mexico — their one and only appearance, where they faced Belgium, Paraguay and Mexico in Group B. Now, 40 years later, the Lions of Mesopotamia are in IC Playoff 2 and just two wins away from writing history. Beat Bolivia and Suriname — and أسود الرافدين return to the World Cup stage.

Days to WC kickoff

Lions of Mesopotamia at a Glance

2nd

WC Appearance

Year Wait

IC2

Playoff Path

1986

Last WC

6 Key Storylines

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40 Years — The Longest AFC Wait

Iraq made their only World Cup appearance at Mexico 1986 — losing all three games but competing with heart. No AFC nation has waited longer for a second chance. Four decades of players, coaches, and fans have been watching the world's biggest tournament from the sidelines. That could all change in 2026.

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Aymen Hussein — The Lion Who Can Roar

Al Shorta SC striker Aymen Hussein emerged as Iraq's talisman during AFC qualifying, finishing as one of the top scorers in the Asian final round. With raw pace, clinical finishing, and the weight of a nation behind him, Hussein is the player who could carry Iraq through IC Playoff 2 and into history books.

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IC Playoff 2 — AFC vs CONMEBOL vs CONCACAF

In IC Playoff 2, Iraq (AFC) face Bolivia (CONMEBOL) and Suriname (CONCACAF) — a genuinely open three-way battle. Iraq have Asian football pedigree and a settled squad; Bolivia bring CONMEBOL experience and altitude training; Suriname punch above their weight. Two wins from three nations, one World Cup spot.

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Jesus Casas — Spanish Tactical Blueprint

Spanish coach Jesus Casas brought European tactical discipline to Iraq's setup — compact pressing, structured build-up, and aerial threat from set pieces. His work through AFC qualifying showed a team that's hard to break down and dangerous on the counter. The IC Playoff is where his system gets its biggest test.

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AFC 2007 Champions — Pedigree Beyond the WC

Iraq are the 2007 AFC Asian Cup champions — one of the most emotional victories in football history, won during a time of profound national hardship. Their continental success underlines that this is a real footballing nation, not a minnow. The Lions of Mesopotamia know how to win tournaments.

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Group I Awaits — Mbappé, Haaland, Mané

Win IC Playoff 2 and Iraq join Group I: defending World Cup runners-up France (Mbappé), Erling Haaland's Norway, and AFCON champions Senegal (Mané). For Iraq's football fans who suffered through 40 years of qualification misery, just watching their team face France would be the greatest moment in the sport's history in the country.