The Possible Lineup of Iraq to Face Norway in the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Iraq returns to the World Cup after 40 years and prepares to face Norway in Foxborough with a mix of youth and experience that excites everyone.

Iraq readies for its debut in this World Cup

The Iraqi national team faces a historic debut against Norway this Tuesday, June 16, at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, for Group I of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The match will take place just after France and Senegal face off in the same group, so both teams will take the field knowing the result that the favorites in the area have.

Their qualification and history in the World Cup

The Asians were the last to secure their ticket to the World Cup, after defeating Bolivia in the playoff. The challenge ahead of them is enormous; they are in one of the most difficult groups of the tournament, with France, Norway, and Senegal as rivals. However, the excitement of competing in a World Cup again after four decades is stronger than any difficulty.

Iraq made its first and only appearance in Mexico 1986, where it shared a group with Mexico, Paraguay, and Belgium. On that occasion, they were eliminated in the group stage and could barely celebrate a goal, scored by Ahmed Radhi against the Europeans. Today, history offers a new opportunity to write a different chapter.

Possible lineup and key players

Coach Graham Arnold is betting on a mix of youth and experience. Two dynamic forwards, Ali Al-Hamadi and Al Jasim, emerge as the most promising offensive cards. Al-Hamadi, with five goals in 19 international matches, has developed his entire career in the English Football League (EFL). Jasim, for his part, plays for Como in Serie A and arrives with the confidence of having gained minutes in a competitive league.

The possible lineup of Iraq against Norway under the 4-4-2 scheme would be: Hassan; Ali, Tahseen, Hashim, Doski; Bayesh, Ismael, Al-Ammari, Farji; Al-Hamadi and Jasim.