33 days to the World Cup: Iraq returns to its second World Cup still chasing a second goal

Iraq qualified for the 2026 World Cup in March after a 40-year absence, securing their spot with a 2-1 victory over Bolivia in the inter-confederation playoffs. It will be their second-ever World Cup appearance, having previously featured at Mexico 1986 where they failed to score more than one goal. At the 2026 tournament, Iraq will face Norway, France, and Senegal in Group I.