Iraq secures World Cup spot, prepares for 2026 tournament
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 5, 2026, 7:07 AM
Last updated Jun 5, 2026
Iraq has qualified for the 2026 World Cup, marking their first appearance since 1986. The team, known as the Lions of Mesopotamia, completed a grueling qualification campaign, culminating in a 2-1 victory over Bolivia. Coach Graham Arnold emphasized the importance of mindset as they prepare for a challenging group that includes France, Norway, and Senegal. Their training camp in Spain will feature friendlies against strong opponents before heading to the US for the tournament.
- •Iraq last qualified for the World Cup in 1986.
- •They faced travel challenges due to regional unrest.
- •Ali Al-Hamadi scored a key goal in the playoff against Bolivia.
- •Iraq will train in Spain before facing tough opponents in Group I.
- •Arnold seeks to instill confidence in a squad lacking World Cup experience.
- 7:07 AMYahoo Sports — ‘We are fighters’: Iraq aim to shock rivals at 2026 World Cup
"Coach Graham Arnold and two key players speak to Al Jazeera ahead of Iraq’s first World Cup appearance since 1986.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
Soccer•Aug 3, 2026, 1:12 PMPochettino signs deal to remain as USMNT manager
MLS•Aug 3, 2026, 1:04 PMMauricio Pochettino agrees deal to stay as US coach through World Cup 2030- LaLiga•Aug 3, 2026, 1:00 PMBrahim, Bernardo Silva rejoin Real Madrid squad in training
- Saudi Pro League•Aug 3, 2026, 12:58 PMSet-piece coach joins Chelsea from Aston Villa - send your thoughts
Champions League•Aug 3, 2026, 12:56 PMCeltic learn CL opponents as Brighton discover European route- Champions League•Aug 3, 2026, 12:55 PMAtalanta learn Conference League play-off potential opponents
