FIFA World Cup 2026 Iraq: Schedule, How to Watch, History & Record
Forty years is a long time to wait. Iraq last played at a FIFA World Cup in 1986, a group stage exit in Mexico that left their name absent from every tournament since. That changes in 2026.
A dramatic playoff run, capped by a 2-1 win over Bolivia in April, sent 46 million Iraqis into jubilation and planted the Lions of Mesopotamia firmly in Group I alongside France, Senegal, and Norway.
Iraq enters their second-ever World Cup ranked 57th in the world as of April 1, 2026. Australian coach Graham Arnold, who steered the Socceroos for six years before taking charge in Baghdad in May 2025, gets the chance to write history at the biggest stage in football.
Iraq World Cup 2026 Schedule (Local Time)
Iraq runs on Arabia Standard Time (AST), which is UTC+3. Iraq does not observe daylight saving time, so all kick-off times are a straight three-hour addition to UTC. The evening matches in North America fall late at night or early morning for Iraqi fans watching from home.
| Date | Opponent | Time (Local / AST) | Time (ET) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, June 16 | Norway | 1:00 AM Wed, June 17 | 6:00 PM ET | Boston Stadium, Foxborough |
| Mon, June 22 | France | 12:00 AM Tue, June 23 | 5:00 PM ET | Philadelphia Stadium |
| Fri, June 26 | Senegal | 10:00 PM | 3:00 PM ET | Toronto Stadium |
Iraqi fans face a brutal schedule. Their opener against Norway starts at 1 AM local time, meaning the country will be running on caffeine and emotion through the night.
The France match kicks off right at midnight. Only the final group game against Senegal offers a reasonable 10 PM viewing window. The top two teams in each group advance to the Round of 32, and the eight best third-placed teams across all groups also go through.
How to Watch World Cup 2026 Iraq
beIN Sports holds exclusive broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup across the Middle East and North Africa, covering 33 countries including Iraq. All group stage matches will air across beIN Sports HD and beIN Sports MAX channels. Subscribers can also stream through the beIN Sports Connect app on mobile, tablet, and smart TV.
For fans outside Iraq who want to follow every match, FIFA+ offers free streaming of selected matches. Check FIFA+ for availability in your region. In the United States, Fox Sports and Telemundo hold the English and Spanish rights respectively.
How to Stream World Cup 2026 Iraq
| Platform | Language | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| beIN Sports Connect | Arabic / English | Subscription | Full coverage, MENA primary platform |
| FIFA+ | Multiple | Free | Selected matches, check regional availability |
| FOX Sports App | English | Cable login required | US viewers, all Group I matches |
How to Listen to World Cup 2026 Iraq
Iraqi national radio and sports stations will carry live Arabic commentary for all three group stage matches. For fans in the diaspora, beIN Sports radio and Arabic sports podcasts typically cover major tournament fixtures. In the United States, SiriusXM FC carries World Cup commentary for listeners on the go.
Iraq World Cup History and Record
Iraq qualified for their first World Cup in 1986, breaking into a tournament where they were outmatched but not without moments of defiance. Placed in a group with Paraguay, Belgium, and Mexico, they lost all three games and finished last.
Their single goal came from Ahmed Radhi, who slotted home against Belgium in a 2-1 defeat. The strike made Radhi a national icon. He was later voted the greatest Iraqi footballer of the 20th century.
The Paraguay match holds a particular grievance. Radhi headed in what appeared to be an equalizer, but the referee blew for half time before the ball crossed the line. The goal was disallowed. Iraq lost 1-0 and left Mexico with nothing but a lesson in what international football demands. Forty years later, they finally get another chance.
Iraq World Cup Record
| Year | Stage | W | D | L | GF | GA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 (Mexico) | Group stage | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 4 |
All-time record: P3 W0 D0 L3, GF1 GA4. Best finish: Group stage (1986).
Iraq World Cup 2026 Predictions and Analysis
Group I is a genuine mountain. France are tournament favourites. Norway carry Erling Haaland. Senegal are physical powerhouses who reached the 2025 AFCON final and remain one of the strongest sides in Africa. The key match is Senegal on June 26, a winnable game that could decide whether Iraq leave as group-stage eliminees or surprise package.
Graham Arnold builds compact, disciplined sides. His Iraq team conceded just once across the fourth round and fifth round playoff against UAE.
Ali Al-Hamadi (Luton Town, on loan from Ipswich Town) scored in the Bolivia playoff and brings sharp, direct running through the lines.
Aymen Hussein (Al-Karma), with over 90 senior caps, works tirelessly up front.
Zidane Iqbal (FC Utrecht) controls the midfield with composure, and Mohanad Ali (Dibba Al-Fujairah) adds a threat from deeper positions.
Arnold has built a team on collective work rate, and that may be enough for one result that shocks the group.
Iraq FIFA World Cup 2026 FAQs
What group is Iraq in at the 2026 World Cup?
Iraq are in Group I alongside France, Senegal, and Norway. Their three matches take place on June 16, 22, and 26, 2026.
When is Iraq’s first match at World Cup 2026?
Iraq play their opening match against Norway on June 16, 2026, at 6:00 PM ET (1:00 AM AST on June 17). The venue is Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
How did Iraq qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
Iraq came through four qualifying stages. They finished third in AFC third round Group B (W4 D3 L3), then went W1 D1 in the fourth round, beating Indonesia 1-0 and drawing 0-0 with Saudi Arabia. They beat UAE 3-2 on aggregate in the fifth round, then defeated Bolivia 2-1 in the intercontinental playoff to claim the final World Cup spot.
How can I watch Iraq at the World Cup 2026 for free?
In the MENA region, beIN Sports holds exclusive rights and requires a subscription. FIFA+ offers free streaming of selected matches worldwide. Check the FIFA+ app for availability in your country.
Who is Iraq’s head coach at the 2026 World Cup?
Graham Arnold is Iraq’s head coach. The Australian was appointed in May 2025 after leaving the Socceroos role he held for six years. He guided Iraq through the most dramatic stages of qualifying.
What is Iraq’s best World Cup result?
Iraq’s only previous World Cup appearance was in 1986, where they exited at the group stage with three losses. Ahmed Radhi scored their sole World Cup goal in a 2-1 defeat to Belgium.
Do I need a visa to watch Iraq at the 2026 World Cup in the USA?
Iraqi passport holders are not part of the US Visa Waiver Program and must apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa before travelling. Visit the US Embassy in Iraq for application details and current processing times.
Who are Iraq’s key players at World Cup 2026?
The standout names are Ali Al-Hamadi (Luton Town, on loan from Ipswich Town), Aymen Hussein (Al-Karma), Zidane Iqbal (FC Utrecht), and Mohanad Ali (Dibba Al-Fujairah). Al-Hamadi and Hussein were the playoff heroes against Bolivia.
The 40-year wait is finally over for World Cup 2026 Iraq. Group I will test everything Graham Arnold has built, but the Lions of Mesopotamia arrive with a qualifying story that already deserves its own chapter in football history.
