Four memorable matches on Iraq's World Cup journey
Ahead of the FIFA Play-Off Tournament decider, we look back at the key games for Iraq on their long path through AFC qualifying towards World Cup 2026.
Iraq are chasing one of the final spots at the World Cup via the FIFA Play-Off Tournament
The Lions of Mesopotamia will face either Bolivia or Suriname in Monterrey
Look back at some of the team’s standout moments during Asian qualifying
“Since Mexico 1986, Iraq have been waiting to return.” It is a phrase often heard in the media and among Iraq's supporters, summing up decades of anticipation since the country’s only appearance at a FIFA World Cup™, when the team left its mark in Mexico and Ahmed Radhi scored Iraq’s first World Cup goal. Since that distant summer, the dream has lingered in the minds of generations who have grown up looking forward to the day Iraq would return to football’s grandest stage.
Now, Iraq side stand just one game away from that long-awaited return. After a long and arduous qualifying campaign spanning two full years, during which they contested 20 matches of varying difficulty, endured moments of pressure and faced stern tests, Iraq have managed to stay in the running and overcome those obstacles one by one to reach the fifth round and secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Play-Off Tournament.
The decisive match will take place on 31 March in Monterrey, Mexico, where Iraq will meet either Bolivia or Suriname in a winner-takes-all clash for a berth in the global showpiece in North America. Ahead of this eagerly anticipated showdown, FIFA reviews the key moments that defined Iraq’s journey through Asian qualifying.
Iraq began their qualifying campaign for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in the second round of the AFC qualifiers, where the draw placed them in a group with Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines. At Basra International Stadium, and in front of fans dreaming of qualification to the largest-ever World Cup, the Lions of Mesopotamia made a strong start with a commanding win over Indonesia, who were then at the beginning of the impressive development they would demonstrate during the following two years.
Under Spanish coach Jesus Casas, Iraq imposed themselves early. Bashar Resan opened the scoring with a lovely dribble and a pinpoint finish, before an own goal from Indonesia defender Jordi Amat doubled the lead. Although the visitors pulled one back before half-time, the hosts swiftly regained control in the second half after a thunderous strike from Osama Rashid, with Youssef Amyn then sealing the rout with two goals in quick succession to underline Iraq’s superiority.
This emphatic victory was not merely a successful start – it proved a watershed moment that boosted the team’s confidence and cemented the bond between the players and their Spanish manager, who had taken charge a year earlier. From that night in Basra, the Lions of Mesopotamia embarked on a flawless run in the second round, collecting maximum points with six consecutive wins, including a resounding 5-0 away victory over the Philippines, as well as a 2-0 triumph over Indonesia in Jakarta.
Iraq arrived in Muscat knowing the encounter could prove pivotal in the race for qualification. Ahead of Matchday 6, the Lions of Mesopotamia were in joint second place with Jordan on eight points, with Oman breathing down their necks just two points behind. That made the match a direct showdown that could reshape the battle for the second automatic qualifying berth, after Korea Republic had already pulled clear at the top and secured the first ticket out of the group.
In a tense and cautious contest, Iraq needed just one moment to make the difference. Shortly before the break, Youssef Amyn capitalised on a cross from Ahmed Yasin in the box and drove the ball home to give the visitors the lead. The hosts pressed for an equaliser, but Iraq’s defensive organisation held firm until the final whistle.
The win lifted Iraq to 11 points and kept them solidly in the hunt for the two automatic qualifying spots, while also pushing Oman further out of contention. Iraq would then veer off course in their next three matches, costing them their shot at direct qualification, but the three points picked up in Muscat kept them clear of the threat of elimination.
With six Asian sides having already secured qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ via the third round, Iraq continued their journey in the fourth round – a stage offering two additional direct tickets to the tournament. In this round, featuring two groups of just three teams, every side would face each of their competitors once. New head coach Graham Arnold had come on board a few months earlier, and the Lions of Mesopotamia found themselves grouped with Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia had already beaten Indonesia, turning Iraq’s meeting with the latter into something of a final for both teams. In the 13th minute, Iraqi fans held their breath when Mauro Zijlstra nearly opened the scoring from a cross inside the six-yard box, only for defender Hussein Ali to clear the danger expertly at the last moment. After lengthy stretches marked by caution and few chances for either side, Zidane Iqbal, the former Manchester United player now at Utrecht, fired Iraq ahead with 15 minutes remaining, drilling a low, powerful strike from outside the box into the far corner beyond the keeper’s reach.
With this victory, Arnold’s men stood just 90 minutes away from booking their place in North America. First though, Iraq would need to defeat Saudi Arabia in Jeddah, while a draw would suffice for the hosts. In the end, the match finished 0-0, forcing the Lions of Mesopotamia to continue along the longer and more difficult route towards their dream.
Iraq came to the final stage of Asian qualifying, facing the United Arab Emirates in a two-legged play-off to determine Asia’s representative in the FIFA Play-Off Tournament for World Cup 2026.
The first leg in Abu Dhabi finished 1-1, leaving everything to be decided in Basra in front of 65,000 supporters. After a cautious first half, Iraqi fans were stunned when Caio Lucas broke the deadlock for the visitors, momentarily silencing the roaring crowd. But Mohanad Ali soon restored parity, capitalising on a free-kick delivered by Amir Al-Ammari.
As the match edged towards its conclusion, Iraq were awarded a penalty in stoppage time, which Al-Ammari successfully converted to hand the hosts a dramatic victory and ignite celebrations in Basra, Baghdad and across the country. Australian coach Arnold told FIFA after the encounter: “This team were on the brink of elimination four times in six months. The road has been incredibly tough – this was our 20th match in the qualifiers.”