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.
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