Graham Arnold's Official Iraq Squad For The 2026 FIFA World Cup
The Lions of Mesopotamia return to the World Cup after 40 years, led by Aymen Hussein and a squad built around experience.
Iraq returns to the World Cup after four decades
Iraq has officially confirmed the squad that will represent the nation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the country's return to football's biggest stage for the first time in 40 years.
Head coach Graham Arnold has placed his trust in the core group of players that secured qualification through the intercontinental playoffs, where Iraq booked its place at the tournament with a memorable victory over Bolivia.
The Lions of Mesopotamia arrive in North America determined to prove they belong among the world's best, combining experienced leaders with a talented generation eager to make history on the global stage.
Iraq's official squad for the 2026 World Cup
Goalkeepers
Fahad Talib
Jalal Hassan
Ahmed Basil
Defenders
Hussein Ali
Manaf Younis
Zaid Tahseen
Rebin Sulaka
Akam Hashem
Merchas Doski
Ahmed Yahya
Zaid Ismail
Frans Putros
Mustafa Saadoon
Midfielders
Amir Al-Ammari
Kevin Yakob
Zidane Iqbal
Aimar Sher
Ibrahim Bayesh
Ahmed Qasim
Youssef Amyn
Marko Farji
Forwards
Ali Jassim
Ali Al-Hamadi
Ali Yousef
Aymen Hussein
Mohanad Ali
Head Coach
Graham Arnold
Player to watch
The biggest star of this Iraqi squad is Aymen Hussein, the veteran striker expected to lead the team's attack throughout the tournament.
Hussein has become one of the most important players in modern Iraqi football thanks to his goalscoring ability, leadership, and consistency in crucial matches. His influence was instrumental during the qualification campaign, and he once again enters the World Cup as Iraq's primary attacking threat.
Alongside players such as Ali Al-Hamadi, Ali Jassim, and Ali Yousef, Hussein will carry the responsibility of guiding Iraq's return to football's biggest stage after four decades away.
Graham Arnold relies on experience
One of the most notable aspects of Iraq's squad is Arnold's decision to keep faith in the players who helped secure qualification.
Footballers such as Zidane Iqbal, Aimar Sher, Amir Al-Ammari, Kevin Yakob, and Aymen Hussein provide valuable international experience, while younger talents continue to establish themselves within the national team setup.
The most surprising omission from the final roster is Dario Naamo, the Dundee defender who recently switched his sporting nationality after representing Finland at youth level. Despite expectations that he could make the squad, Arnold opted for other defensive options.
Everything you need to know about Iraq Squad at the World Cup
Iraq faces one of the toughest groups in the tournament
Iraq's long-awaited World Cup return comes with a massive challenge from the very beginning.
The Lions of Mesopotamia have been drawn into Group I, where they will face France, Senegal, and Norway, three nations loaded with talent and international experience.
While the group is considered one of the toughest in the competition, Iraq believes it has the character and quality to compete. After waiting 40 years for another opportunity on the world's biggest stage, the team is determined to make the most of its return and fight for a place in the knockout rounds.
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