Iraqi soccer federation denies misconduct claims against World Cup squad

BAGHDAD — The Iraq Football Association has denied reports alleging misconduct by national team players during the World Cup, calling the claims “baseless” and warning it will pursue legal action against those spreading them.

The association said it was “deeply surprised” by reports circulating on social media and in the media alleging “undisciplined behavior inside the team’s residence, incidents of disorder, or the presence of players in entertainment venues,” saying they “do not rely on any evidence.” It said players and delegation members were fully committed to team regulations and that their accommodation was under continuous oversight.

The statement followed sharp on-air criticism of the team by Dijlah TV presenter Omar Riyadh, who linked Iraq’s results to “a lack of discipline on and off the pitch” and alleged that some players had behaved inappropriately during the tournament and misused match tickets allocated to them.

Riyadh also addressed Association President Younis Mahmoud directly, urging him to “be equal to the responsibility” of the office.

Mahmoud, a former Iraq national team star, was elected association president in late May, winning 38 votes to incumbent Adnan Dirjal’s 21.

The association called on those promoting the allegations to produce evidence or face legal proceedings for “false news, abuse, and defamation,” describing the reports as an attempt “to harm the national team and distract its players” during the tournament.

Iraq lost its first two Group I matches at the 2026 World Cup, falling 4-1 to Norway on June 17 and 3-0 to France on June 23, two of the tournament’s stronger sides. France are perennial title contenders, while Norway feature striker Erling Haaland, one of the world’s leading forwards. Without a point after two games, Iraq plays Senegal in its final group match Friday, in what is the country’s first World Cup appearance in 40 years and only its second after Mexico 1986, secured with a 2-1 playoff win over Bolivia in March.

To progress, Iraq need to beat Senegal and hope results in other groups go their way.