Iraq players pose for a team group photo before the match against Norway. | Photo Credit: Reuters

Iraq will play its first FIFA World Cup match in 40 years when it takes the field against Norway at the Boston Stadium on Tuesday.

The Graham Arnold-coached side defeated Bolivia in the FIFA Intercontinental Playoffs to pave its way to the football showpiece.

The Asian side’s only World Cup appearance came during the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, where it could not make it past the group stage.

Iraq was pitted in Group B alongside the host, Belgium and Paraguay and lost all its three games. It began its campaign with a 1-0 loss to Paraguay in Toluca before going down 1-2 at the hands of Belgium. Ahmed Rahdi, nickname The Magician in Iraq, was the goalscorer for the side in that contest.

The Lions of Mesopotamia concluded their group stage with another 1-0 defeat, this time to Mexico.

Iraq at FIFA World Cup

• Appearances: 1 (1986)
• Best finish: Group stage
• Matches: 3
• Won: 0
• Lost: 3
• Goals for: 1
• Goals against: 4

Published on Jun 17, 2026