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Iraq World Cup 2026 Tickets | LiveFootballTickets.com
Current Squad & Key Players
Off the back of an up-and-down qualifying campaign, Iraq head into this summer's World Cup with a point to prove. Their squad is largely settled; however, as with any international football team, there is a need for evolution and experimentation, as you can see from their squad below.
Recent squad
- GK: Fahad Talib (Al-Talaba)
- GK: Ahmed Basil (Al-Shorta)
- GK: Kamel Al-Rekabe (Erbil)
- DF: Rebin Sulaka (Port)
- DF: Manaf Younis (Al-Shorta)
- DF: Merchas Doski (Viktoria Plzen)
- DF: Frans Putros (Persib)
- DF: Hussein Ali (Pogon Szczecin)
- DF: Zaid Tahseen (Pakhtakor)
- DF: Akam Hashim (Al-Zawraa)
- DF: Ahmed Maknzi (Al-Karma)
- MF: Ibraham Bayesh (Al-Dhafra)
- MF: Amir Al-Ammari (Cracovia)
- MF: Ali Jasim (Al-Najma)
- MF: Youssef Amyn (AEK Larnaca)
- MF: Zidane Iqbal (Utrecht)
- MF: Hasan Abdulkareem (Al-Zawraa)
- MF: Marko Farji (Venezia)
- MF: Kevin Yakob (AGF)
- MF: Aimar Sher (Sarpsborg)
- MF: Peter Gwargis (Duhok)
- MF: Zaid Ismail (Al-Talaba)
- FW: Aymen Hussein (Al-Karma)
- FW: Mohanad Ali (Dibba)
- FW: Ali Al-Hamadi (Luton Town)
- FW: Ali Yousif (Al-Talaba)
Key players
- Aymen Hussein – Iraq's main goal threat. Strong, physical, and always looking to get into scoring positions.
- Ali Jasim – Their most exciting attacking talent. Quick, confident on the ball, and able to create chances out of nothing.
- Hussein Ali – A calm, reliable presence in midfield. Reads the game well, links play, and helps keep the team organised.
Iraq's World Cup Qualification Journey
Iraq began their World Cup qualifying campaign strongly in late 2023. They opened with an impressive 5–1 win at home to Indonesia, then followed it up with a solid 1–0 victory away to Vietnam. It was a confident start that showed their organisation and ability to control games early in the campaign.
In 2024, Iraq kept building momentum. They beat the Philippines twice, 1–0 at home and 5–0 away, before earning another big result with a 2–0 win in Indonesia. A 3–1 home victory over Vietnam rounded off a perfect second round, giving them maximum points and real belief heading into the tougher stages. The third round began well too, with a 1–0 win over Oman and a hard‑earned 0–0 draw away to Kuwait. They stayed consistent with a 1–0 home win against Palestine and a narrow 3–2 loss away to Korea Republic, before finishing the year with a 0–0 draw against Jordan and a strong 1–0 win in Oman.
By 2025, Iraq looked settled and competitive. They drew 2–2 with Kuwait, suffered a couple of tight defeats to Palestine and Korea Republic, but responded with a 1–0 win away to Jordan. They closed the year well, beating Indonesia 1–0, drawing with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and then defeating the UAE 2–1 at home.
Their journey ended with a dramatic play‑off in April 2026, where Iraq beat Bolivia 2–1 to secure their place at the World Cup, a fitting finish to a campaign built on resilience and big‑game moments.
- 16 November 2023 – Iraq 5–1 Indonesia
- 21 November 2023 – Vietnam 0–1 Iraq
- 21 March 2024 – Iraq 1–0 Philippines
- 26 March 2024 – Philippines 0–5 Iraq
- 6 June 2024 – Indonesia 0–2 Iraq
- 11 June 2024 – Iraq 3–1 Vietnam
- 5 September 2024 – Iraq 1–0 Oman
- 10 September 2024 – Kuwait 0–0 Iraq
- 10 October 2024 – Iraq 1–0 Palestine
- 15 October 2024 – Korea Republic 3–2 Iraq
- 14 November 2024 – Iraq 0–0 Jordan
- 19 November 2024 – Oman 0–1 Iraq
- 20 March 2025 – Iraq 2–2 Kuwait
- 25 March 2025 – Palestine 2–1 Iraq
- 5 June 2025 – Iraq 0–2 Korea Republic
- 10 June 2025 – Jordan 0–1 Iraq
- 11 October 2025 – Iraq 1–0 Indonesia
- 14 October 2025 – Saudi Arabia 0–0 Iraq
- 13 November 2025 – United Arab Emirates 1–1 Iraq
- 18 November 2025 – Iraq 2–1 United Arab Emirates
- 1 April 2026 – Iraq 2–1 Bolivia (World Cup Qualifiers · Final)
Iraq's Group Assignment & Opponents
Iraq have been given a tough group at the 2026 World Cup. They open their campaign on June 16 against Norway at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. Norway are physical and dangerous in attack, so Iraq will need to stay compact, manage transitions well and make the most of their attacking opportunities.
Their second match comes on June 22 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, where they face France, the strongest team in the group. France have pace, power and world‑class quality across the pitch. Iraq will likely focus on defensive organisation, limiting space between the lines and trying to frustrate France for as long as possible. Even a draw here would be a huge result.
They finish the group on June 26 at BMO Stadium in Toronto against Senegal. Senegal are athletic, aggressive and dangerous on the counter, so Iraq will have to stay disciplined and avoid giving the ball away cheaply. If Iraq are still in contention by this stage, this match could be decisive and give them a real chance of pushing for the knockout rounds.
Overall, it's a challenging group, but Iraq have shown throughout qualifying that they can compete when they stay organised and take their chances. If they play to their strengths, they will give themselves a genuine opportunity to progress.
Iraq's World Cup 2026 Fixtures
Iraq face a tough start to their World Cup campaign with fixtures against three experienced sides; however, they will fancy their chances of progression from Group I. Take a look at their group stage fixtures below:
- June 16, 2026 – Iraq vs Norway (Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, USA)
- June 22, 2026 – France vs Iraq (Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, USA)
- June 26, 2026 – Senegal vs Iraq (BMO Stadium, Toronto, Canada)
Iraq's Tactical Approach & Playing Style
Iraq's style of play is very organised and disciplined. They keep their shape, stay close together and make it hard for teams to break them down. The defenders stay tight, the midfield works hard, and everyone knows their job.
In possession, they look to play forward quickly, using direct passes into Aymen Hussein, who provides a strong focal point, and supporting him with runners like Ali Jasim and Hussein Ali. Iraq are at their best when they move the ball with purpose, attack space early and commit numbers in transition.
Without the ball, they don't press all the time. Instead, they wait for the right moment to step up and win it back. Overall, Iraq's style is calm, disciplined and built on being solid first, then taking their chances when they come.
Host Cities & Venues Where Iraq Plays
Iraq's group‑stage journey at the 2026 World Cup takes them across three major North American cities, each offering a distinct atmosphere and challenge. They begin on June 16 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, a venue known for its intense crowds and fast playing surface. It's a classic East Coast setting and will provide the perfect backdrop for their opener against Norway.
Their second match, on June 22, moves to Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, one of the USA's most passionate sporting cities. The stadium's steep stands and loud environment will add extra edge to their meeting with France.
Iraq then travel north for their final group game on June 26 at BMO Stadium in Toronto, a modern, football‑focused venue with a large Middle Eastern and Iraqi‑Canadian community. If Iraq are still in contention, Toronto could feel like a home away from home and provide a crucial boost in their decisive match against Senegal.
World Cup 2026 Fan Zones for Iraq Supporters
The World Cup Fan Festival is the go-to destination for fans without a stadium ticket to watch World Cup games. Located across the host cities, fans can watch live match screenings, eat local food and see some top-tier entertainment, all while soaking in the tournament atmosphere. Below is a list of the fan zones already announced across the host cities and the ones that are suspected to play a part:
| City | Fan Zone Location | Estimated Capacity | Announced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | Centennial Olympic Park | 20,000–25,000 | Yes |
| Boston (Foxborough) | Boston City Hall Plaza or Boston Common | 10,000–15,000 | Not yet |
| Dallas (Arlington) | Fair Park | 25,000–30,000 | Not yet |
| Houston | East Downtown Houston | 20,000 | Not yet |
| Kansas City | National WWI Museum and Memorial | 15,000–20,000 | Not yet |
| Los Angeles | Exposition Park or SoFi Stadium | 30,000+ | Not yet |
| Miami | Bayfront Park | 20,000–25,000 | Not yet |
| New York/New Jersey | Liberty State Park (Jersey City) | 40,000–45,000 | Yes |
| Philadelphia | Lemon Hill, East Fairmount Park | 25,000 | Yes |
| San Francisco Bay Area (Santa Clara) | Likely San Jose or San Francisco Civic Center | 20,000+ | Not yet |
| Seattle | Seattle Center | 20,000+ | Yes |
| Toronto | Nathan Phillips Square | 15,000–20,000 | Yes |
| Vancouver | Jack Poole Plaza | 15,000 | Yes |
| Mexico City | Plaza de la Constitución (Zócalo) | 30,000+ | Yes |
| Monterrey | Macroplaza | 20,000 | Yes |
| Guadalajara | Plaza de la Liberación | 20,000 | Yes |
Iraq's Tournament Predictions & Chances
Iraq head into the 2026 World Cup as underdogs, but their path through qualifying and the play‑off shows they are capable of competing with strong opposition. Their opener against Norway is crucial. Norway are physical and direct, but Iraq's organisation and counter‑attacking threat give them a genuine chance of taking something from the match. The second game against France is the toughest on paper. France's quality across the pitch means Iraq will likely focus on staying compact, defending deep and trying to frustrate them for long spells. Anything gained here would be a bonus. Their final match against Senegal could be decisive. Senegal are powerful and dangerous in transition, but Iraq's discipline and set‑piece strength keep them in contention. If Iraq arrive in Toronto with points already on the board, they will feel they have a real opportunity to push for the knockout stages.
Iraq's World Cup History & Legacy
Iraq's lone World Cup appearance came in 1986, when a talented but inexperienced squad travelled to Mexico and faced a difficult group featuring Paraguay, Belgium and the hosts. Despite losing all three matches, Iraq earned respect for their commitment and the pride with which they represented their country during a challenging period. The campaign also produced iconic moments, including Ahmed Radhi's memorable goal against Belgium, which is still celebrated as one of the greatest in Iraq's footballing story.
In the decades since, Iraq have remained one of Asia's most passionate footballing nations, consistently producing technically gifted players and fiercely competitive teams. Their greatest achievement came in 2007, when they won the Asian Cup in one of international football's most emotional triumphs, uniting millions of Iraqis across the globe.
The return to the World Cup stage in 2026, secured through a dramatic play‑off win over Bolivia, marks a new chapter, one that fans back home will hope will become a source of national pride.
Iraq's Squad Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Strong on the counter – Iraq break well when they win the ball, with wide players and forwards who attack space quickly.
- Organised defensively – They stay compact, protect the middle of the pitch and make it difficult for teams to create clear chances.
- Experienced and disciplined – Iraq keep their shape, stay focused and manage games well, especially in tight moments.
Weaknesses
- Can drop too deep – When they defend for long spells, they sometimes struggle to push out and keep possession.
- Limited creativity in midfield – Much of their threat comes from wide areas, and the midfield can lack ideas against low blocks.
- Struggle when chasing games – If they fall behind, they can find it hard to raise the tempo or break down a well‑organised defence.
How to Buy World Cup 2026 Tickets for Iraq
The World Cup is the pinnacle of professional football, and it only comes around every four years, so tickets are in high demand and notoriously tricky to get your hands on. In fact, our customer service team gets a lot of fans who ask: How can I book World Cup tickets for an Iraq game? And it can be tricky. Let's walk you through all the steps so you can start thinking about booking your flights across the pond.
- Select the match you want to attend and click 'View Tickets'.
- Select the area you would like to sit within the stadium graphic on the right-hand side.
- Select the number of tickets you would like to purchase.
- Click on the green 'Buy' button.
- Complete the order form using your personal details.
- Don't forget to check that all your information has been input and is correct.
- Click 'Make Payment'.
- The tickets are now yours!
Ticket prices tend to vary depending on the seat category and match type, so do bear that in mind when selecting matches. Some games, mainly knockout matches or popular teams, can sell out incredibly quickly, so make sure you book early and are on high alert for when tickets come on sale!