The latest nation to have named their squad for the 2026 World Cup is Iraq, as they enter the competition for just the second time in their history.
Australian, Graham Arnold, leads Iraq into the World Cup and has experience in the competition after taking Australia to the Round of 16 in the 2022 competition.
The Iraq squad isn’t full of well-known names but some fans might be familiar with Ali Al-Hamadi of Luton Town being the only player who plays his games in England.
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Iraq World Cup 2026 squad
| Squad number | Player | Position | Domestic club | International caps | International goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | Jalal Hassan | GK | Al-Zawraa (Iraq) | 100 | 0 |
| 1 | Fahad Talib | GK | Al-Talaba (Iraq) | 21 | 0 |
| 22 | Ahmed Basil | GK | Al-Shorta (Iraq) | 14 | 0 |
| 2 | Rebin Sulaka | DF | Port (Thailand) | 54 | 1 |
| 6 | Manaf Younis | DF | Al-Shorta (Iraq) | 32 | 1 |
| 23 | Merchas Doski | DF | Viktoria Plzen (Czech Republic) | 30 | 0 |
| 4 | Zaid Tahseen | DF | Pakhtakor (Uzbekistan) | 26 | 1 |
| 26 | Frans Putros | DF | Persib (Indonesia) | 26 | 0 |
| 3 | Hussein Ali | DF | Pogoń Szczecin (Poland) | 25 | 1 |
| 15 | Ahmed Yahya | DF | Al-Shorta (Iraq) | 19 | 0 |
| 25 | Mustafa Saadoon | DF | Al-Shorta (Iraq) | 15 | 0 |
| 5 | Akam Hashim | DF | Al-Zawraa (Iraq) | 12 | 1 |
| 8 | Ibrahim Bayesh | MF | Al-Dhafra (UAE) | 74 | 8 |
| 16 | Amir Al-Ammari | MF | Cracovia (Poland) | 49 | 3 |
| 17 | Ali Jasim | MF | Al-Najma (Saudi Arabia) | 35 | 2 |
| 7 | Youssef Amyn | MF | AEK Larnaca (Cyprus) | 25 | 2 |
| 14 | Zidane Iqbal | MF | Utrecht (Netherlands) | 23 | 2 |
| 21 | Marko Farji | MF | Venezia (Italy) | 10 | 0 |
| 19 | Kevin Yakob | MF | AGF (Denmark) | 7 | 0 |
| 20 | Aimar Sher | MF | Sarpsborg 08 (Norway) | 6 | 0 |
| 24 | Zaid Ismail | MF | Al-Talaba (Iraq) | 5 | 0 |
| 11 | Ahmed Qasem | MF | Nashville SC (United States) | 1 | 0 |
| 18 | Aymen Hussein | FW | Al-Karma (Iraq) | 93 | 33 |
| 10 | Mohanad Ali | FW | Dibba (UAE) | 71 | 27 |
| 9 | Ali Al-Hamadi | FW | Luton Town (England) | 18 | 5 |
| 13 | Ali Yousif | FW | Al-Talaba (Iraq) | 6 | 1 |
Iraq arrives at the World Cup with a squad built on a foundation of resilience and burgeoning talent, spearheaded by coach Graham Arnold’s strategic vision. The Lions of Mesopotamia are poised to challenge expectations, aiming to carve out a memorable campaign on the global stage. Their roster blends seasoned veterans with an exciting crop of young prospects, promising a dynamic and unpredictable approach.
In goal, captain Jalal Hassan brings immense experience, having amassed over 100 caps, providing a steady presence between the sticks. The midfield is marshalled by the influential Ibrahim Bayesh, whose 74 caps speak volumes of his enduring quality. Upfront, the prolific Aymen Hussein, with 93 caps and 33 goals, remains the primary threat, a clinical finisher capable of turning any match. The squad also features promising European-based talents like Zidane Iqbal from Utrecht and Ali Al-Hamadi of Luton Town, injecting youthful energy and international exposure. This blend of domestic stalwarts and overseas flair offers a compelling narrative for Iraq, as they look to unite their individual brilliance into a cohesive unit and make a significant impact this summer.
- Read more: Iraq World Cup 2026 odds
Three players to look out for this summer
Aymen Hussein (Al-Karma)
Aymen Hussein arrives at the 2026 World Cup as the undisputed talisman of Iraqi football, a status cemented by his historic winner against Bolivia that secured the nation’s qualification. At 30, the veteran striker offers far more than just a clinical edge; his physical presence as a classic “target man” is central to Iraq’s tactical blueprint. By providing an outlet to bypass high-pressing opponents, Hussein allows the Lions of Mesopotamia to transition rapidly, making him the focal point for creative sparks like Zidane Iqbal.
His impact transcends the tactical. As Iraq’s fifth all-time leading scorer, Hussein carries the emotional weight of a nation that has waited four decades for this return. His aerial dominance and predatory instincts in the box make him a constant threat during set-pieces and crosses. If Iraq are to navigate a challenging group stage, they will rely heavily on Hussein’s big-match temperament and leadership to turn half-chances into defining moments.
Zidane Iqbal (Utrecht)
Zidane Iqbal represents the technical vanguard of Iraq’s “golden generation,” bringing Eredivisie-honed sophistication to the Lions of Mesopotamia’s midfield. The former Manchester United starlet, now a creative force at FC Utrecht, is the tactical heartbeat of a side that traditionally relies on grit. At 23, Iqbal’s impact this summer will be defined by his ability to dictate tempo and unlock elite defences in Group I.
His vision and exceptional passing range offer Iraq a vital dimension in possession, acting as the primary bridge between a solid defensive core and the clinical Aymen Hussein. Whether drifting into half-spaces or executing line-breaking passes, Iqbal’s composure under pressure is remarkable. Beyond his tactical utility, he remains a symbol of Iraqi football’s modern, global reach. If Iqbal can master the midfield battle, his flair could be the catalyst that transforms Iraq from tournament underdogs into genuine knockout-stage contenders.
Ibrahim Bayesh (Al-Dhafra)
Ibrahim Bayesh serves as the engine room of Iraq’s 2026 World Cup campaign, a player whose tireless industry and tactical versatility make him indispensable to Graham Arnold’s system. At 26, the Al-Dhafra midfielder is in the prime of his career, boasting an impressive 74 caps that reflect his status as a cornerstone of the national side. Bayesh is the quintessential box-to-box operator, renowned for his ability to disrupt opposition play while simultaneously driving Iraq forward during transitions.
His impact this summer will be measured by his defensive discipline and work-rate, particularly in a demanding Group I. Bayesh’s capacity to cover ground and support both the defensive core and the attack provides a vital balance, allowing creative talents like Zidane Iqbal the freedom to flourish. A proven big-game performer with a knack for scoring crucial goals, his leadership and “never-say-die” attitude embody the spirit of the Lions of Mesopotamia. If Iraq are to compete with the physical demands of the world’s elite, Bayesh will be the heartbeat of their resistance.
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Iraq World Cup 2026 fixtures
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