Overview
- Iraq reached the 2026 World Cup through a long qualification run that included AFC playoff ties and an intercontinental playoff victory over Bolivia to secure their first finals appearance since 1986.
- In the group stage Iraq lost all three matches to France, Norway and Senegal, conceded 12 goals and finished without scoring a goal.
- An early red card in the defeat to Senegal left Iraq with 10 men for more than 75 minutes and compounded that final 5-0 loss.
- Coach Graham Arnold, who took charge in May 2025 and guided the team through qualification, said sustained progress now depends on investment in training facilities, youth academies and better club competitions.
- Players described the tournament as a personal triumph despite the results, and officials and fans see the experience as a platform that could lead to concrete changes in coaching, infrastructure and youth development if funding and reform follow.