World Cup 2026: War, sanctions and punishment – Iraq’s 40-year wait

It was fitting that Iraq beat Bolivia in Mexico to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup, the location of their first appearance on the world stage in 1986.

Karim Alawi was a player 40 years ago as the Lions of Mesopotamia lost all three games against Paraguay, Belgium and the hosts but now he is a fan, desperately hoping that his successors can do a little better despite dire games against Norway, France and Senegal.

The 66-year-old, along with the vast majority of the soccer-mad nation of 46 million people, will watch Iraq play Erling Haaland’s Norway in Boston on June 16.

“It really is the team of death and tougher than 1986,” Allawi told BBC Sport.

“France are multiple world champions, Norway is one of the strongest developing European teams and Senegal are African champions who have qualified for the World Cup several times.

“I expect them to deliver a strong performance and we will achieve a better result than in 1986.”

Compared to past teams, this Iraq team, ranked 57th in the world, Full of players with European experience Such as Ipswich Town’s Ali Al-Hamadi, former Manchester United midfielder Zidane Iqbal, now at Utrecht in the Netherlands, and Kevin Yacob, fresh from helping AGF become Danish champions.

Recruiting Graham Arnold in 2025 has also paid off, leading Australia to the second round of the 2022 World Cup.

The 62-year-old helped Iraq qualify for the third and fourth rounds, with a tight play-off victory over the United Arab Emirates before a victory over Bolivia. It was the 21st game in a long run to the finals.

The celebrations may have died down but the excitement remains. TV sports reporter Nawar Faiq Al-Rikabi told the BBC: “People might think we’re the weakest team in the group but anything can happen.

“We will be fine, there is no pressure on the Iraqi players, they just have to perform and we have quality players who can perform.”

Arnold’s addition can make the difference. “In 2022, it was very difficult for Argentina to win against Australia,” Al-Rikabi added. “The same goes for us. He’s very experienced and I think we’ll do really well.”

The goal is to improve in 1986. “To score more than one goal would be a new achievement, to win a game would be a great achievement, to qualify for the next stage is great. People have waited so long and we are ready now.”