Iraq handed tough potential World Cup group with France, Senegal and Norway

NEWSROOM – Iraq has been drawn into a daunting potential 2026 World Cup group alongside France, Senegal and Norway, with its participation dependent on winning an intercontinental playoff next year.

If it qualifies, Iraq could face some of world football’s biggest stars, including Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé, Norway striker Erling Haaland and Senegal captain Sadio Mané.

The final draw for the 2026 tournament took place on Dec. 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The expanded World Cup will feature 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four.

Iraq’s Football Association has begun mapping out preparations for the national team’s final step toward the World Cup through the intercontinental playoff.

Under the draw, Iraq was placed in the second playoff path and will face the winner of Bolivia vs. Suriname in March. Matches in this path are scheduled to be held in the Mexican cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey.

Iraq booked its playoff spot with a dramatic 2–1 win over the United Arab Emirates in Basra. The UAE took the lead in the 52nd minute through Caio Lucas before Mohanad Ali headed in the equalizer in the 66th. Iraq converted a penalty. Iraq’s Amir Al-Ammari converted a penalty the end of an extraordinary 17 minutes of stoppage time to seal the win and preserve their World Cup hopes.

If qualified, Iraq will play in the World Cup for only the second time and the first time in 40 years, having made its sole previous appearance at Mexico 1986, where it crashed out in the group stage after three narrow defeats to Paraguay, Belgium and the hosts. The 2026 edition will also be co-hosted by Mexico, alongside the U.S.A. and Canada.