Iraq’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup carries a sense of history and symbolism, as the team sealed their place by defeating Bolivia in Mexico — the same country where they made their only previous appearance on football’s biggest stage back in 1986. For many, including former player Karim Allawi, the achievement represents both a nostalgic reminder of the past and a hopeful glimpse into the future.
Allawi, now 66 years old, was part of that historic squad four decades ago when Iraq competed in their first World Cup. The team, known as the Lions of Mesopotamia, faced tough opposition in Paraguay, Belgium, and host nation Mexico, ultimately losing all three matches. Today, Allawi watches from the sidelines as a passionate supporter, eager to see the new generation surpass the accomplishments of his era.
The upcoming tournament will present a formidable challenge for Iraq. Drawn into a difficult group featuring Norway, France, and Senegal, the team faces some of the strongest sides in international football. Their opening match against Norway, led by star striker Erling Haaland, will take place in Boston on 16 June — a fixture that has already captured the attention of fans across the football-loving nation.
“This group is even tougher than the one we faced in 1986,” Allawi remarked. “France have a rich history of World Cup success, Norway are an emerging European force, and Senegal are established contenders with multiple tournament appearances.”
Despite the daunting nature of the group, Allawi remains hopeful. Like millions of Iraqi fans, he believes the current team has the potential to deliver stronger performances and possibly achieve better results than their predecessors.
One of the key differences between the 1986 squad and the current team lies in the players’ experience. Today’s Iraqi side, ranked 57th in the world, features several footballers who have developed their skills in European leagues. Among them are Ali Al-Hamadi of Ipswich Town, former Manchester United midfielder Zidane Iqbal, now playing for Utrecht in the Netherlands, and Kevin Yakob, who recently celebrated a championship victory in Denmark with AGF.
Another significant factor in Iraq’s recent success has been the appointment of Australian coach Graham Arnold. Having guided Australia to the knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup, Arnold brought valuable experience and tactical knowledge when he took charge of Iraq in 2025. Under his leadership, the team successfully navigated a challenging qualification process, which included multiple rounds and a tense play-off victory against the United Arab Emirates before ultimately defeating Bolivia to secure their place.
The journey to qualification was long and demanding, spanning 21 matches. While the celebrations following their success have subsided, excitement continues to build across the country. Sports journalist Nawar Faeq Al-Rikabi expressed confidence in the team’s ability to compete, despite being viewed by some as the underdogs in their group.
“People might consider us the weakest team, but football is unpredictable,” he said. “There is no pressure on the players, and we have the talent to surprise people.”
Al-Rikabi also highlighted the impact of Arnold’s leadership, drawing parallels with Australia’s performance against Argentina in the previous World Cup. He believes Iraq can replicate a similar level of competitiveness against stronger opponents.
For Iraqi fans, expectations are measured but optimistic. Improving upon their 1986 performance is the primary goal. Scoring more than one goal would mark progress, while securing a victory would be a major milestone. Advancing beyond the group stage, however, would be an extraordinary achievement — one that would be celebrated nationwide.
The road back to the World Cup has not been straightforward for Iraq. While the country has consistently produced talented players, a range of off-field challenges has hindered progress over the years. According to Allawi, wars, political instability, economic difficulties, and international sanctions have all played a role in delaying the team’s return to the global stage.
“These challenges affected not only the country but also the national team,” he explained. “At times, there was a lack of proper planning and preparation, which made it difficult to succeed in qualification campaigns.”
One of the most difficult periods in Iraqi football history came during the rule of Saddam Hussein. In 1984, his son Uday Hussein was placed in charge of the national team. His leadership was marked by harsh punishments and abusive practices, details of which emerged after the regime’s fall in 2003. Players were reportedly subjected to extreme conditions, including physical punishment and imprisonment, creating an environment of fear rather than support.
Allawi, however, chose not to dwell on those painful memories, briefly acknowledging that it was a time defined by strict discipline and severe consequences.
The challenges did not end there. The US-led invasion in 2003 brought further instability, affecting the country’s infrastructure and sporting activities. For many years, Iraq was unable to host international matches on home soil, forcing the team to play qualifiers in countries such as Jordan, Malaysia, and Iran.
It was not until March 2020 that FIFA approved the southern city of Basra as a venue for international fixtures, allowing Iraq to finally play important matches closer to home. Even then, difficulties persisted. In the lead-up to the decisive play-off against Bolivia, regional tensions nearly caused the match to be postponed. Some players and even coach Arnold faced challenges traveling to Mexico.
Despite these obstacles, the team overcame adversity and secured qualification. Their return to Baghdad was met with jubilant celebrations, including an open-top bus parade through crowded streets filled with enthusiastic supporters.
The parallels between past and present are striking. When Iraq qualified for the 1986 World Cup, they were also unable to play at home due to the Iran-Iraq war. Their decisive qualifying match against Syria took place in Saudi Arabia, yet the sense of achievement was immense.
“We experienced similar circumstances back then,” Allawi recalled. “When we returned, the celebrations were incredible, with festivals and gatherings across the country.”
That era is often remembered as a golden period for Iraqi football. The team qualified for three consecutive Olympic Games during the 1980s and achieved success in regional competitions. Allawi himself played a key role during the qualifiers but was sidelined during the World Cup due to an injury sustained just before the opening match against Paraguay.
That game remains a source of frustration for many Iraqi fans. In a narrow 1-0 defeat, a controversial decision denied Iraq a potential equalizer when Ahmed Radhi’s goal was disallowed due to a premature halftime whistle. Similar challenges arose in the match against Belgium, where a red card further complicated their efforts.
Despite these setbacks, Allawi remembers the tournament fondly. He described the unique atmosphere of the World Cup, with its passionate crowds and the opportunity to compete alongside some of the greatest players in the world.
“These are memories that stay with you forever,” he said. “I am sure the current players will feel the same way when they experience it.”
As Iraq prepares for their return to the World Cup stage, the nation is filled with hope and anticipation. While the challenges ahead are significant, the team’s journey has already demonstrated resilience and determination.
For millions of fans, simply seeing their team compete again is a moment of pride. And for players like Allawi, it is a chance to see a new chapter written — one that could surpass the achievements of the past.
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