Iraq
The Lions of Mesopotamia are back on the world stage. Iraq arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with pride, emotion and one of the tournament’s strongest return stories. Drawn in Group I alongside France, Senegal and Norway, Iraq face a brutal group — but after ending a 40-year wait to return to the World Cup, this is a team with nothing to lose and everything to prove.
History
Iraq’s football story carries enormous national pride. The Lions of Mesopotamia have long been one of the most passionate football nations in Asia, with a supporter base that treats the national team as something much bigger than sport. Their greatest footballing triumph came in 2007, when Iraq won the AFC Asian Cup in one of the most emotional international tournament victories of the modern era.
The country’s first FIFA World Cup appearance came in 1986, when Iraq competed in Mexico. That tournament was difficult on the pitch, but it remains a landmark moment in Iraqi football history. For four decades, the country waited for another chance to step onto the biggest stage.
The 2026 World Cup marks Iraq’s long-awaited return. Under Graham Arnold, Iraq qualified after a demanding campaign and now enter Group I against France, Senegal and Norway. France bring elite superstar quality, Senegal bring African power and tournament pedigree, while Norway bring Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. For Iraq, this is a massive challenge — but also a chance to shock the world.
World Cup Group Opponents
France are the headline opponent in Group I. With Kylian Mbappé and one of the deepest squads in the tournament, France will be expected to dominate. For Iraq, this is the ultimate test: discipline, bravery and clinical finishing will be needed to stay in the match.
Senegal bring power, pace and African football pedigree. The Lions of Teranga have World Cup history and a squad full of physical quality, making them one of the most difficult opponents Iraq could face. This match will demand concentration and serious defensive organisation.
Norway complete the group and bring two of Europe’s biggest names. Erling Haaland gives Norway world-class finishing, while Martin Ødegaard brings creativity and control. Iraq against Norway could become a huge storyline if Iraq can frustrate them and make the match uncomfortable.
Kit History & Colours
Green, white and red — Iraq’s national-team colours are instantly tied to the country’s flag and football identity. The home shirt is traditionally green, often paired with white and red detailing, giving the Lions of Mesopotamia a strong and recognisable international look.
For mystery shirt fans, Iraq are a brilliant World Cup pull because the shirt carries real story. This is not an obvious glamour country — it is a nation returning to the World Cup after 40 years, backed by huge emotion and a passionate football culture. A Iraq shirt feels like a proper collector’s pull: rare, meaningful and tied to one of the best comeback stories of the tournament.