AFC · Group I
FIFA World Cup 2026
Iraq
FIFA Ranking #55Coach Jesús CasasIRQ
Team quick answers
What group is Iraq in at World Cup 2026?
Iraq are in Group I with Norway, France, Senegal. The group is a four-team round-robin.
Who coaches Iraq and what is their FIFA ranking?
Iraq are coached by Jesús Casas, are FIFA-ranked #55, and use the team code IRQ.
When does Iraq's group-stage campaign start?
Iraq's first group match is against Norway on June 16, 2026 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. Their full group-stage window runs June 16, 2026 — June 26, 2026.
How can Iraq reach the knockout stage?
Iraq advance directly to the Round of 32 by finishing in the top two of Group I. If they finish third, they need to be one of the eight best third-placed teams across the 12 groups.
Team profile
Iraq arrive at FIFA World Cup 2026 as a mid-ranked nation with a clear path through qualifying, ranked #55 in the FIFA world rankings. Jesús Casas leads the squad after qualifying through the AFC qualifying pathway. They have been drawn into Group I, a four-team round-robin where the top two advance directly to the round of 32 and the third-placed team competes for one of eight best-third spots.
Confederation: AFC (Asia) — the continent with eight direct WC2026 places plus play-off qualifiers. Iraq's qualification campaign placed them among the eight or more sides representing their region at the expanded 48-team tournament.
Iraq share Group I with France, Norway, Senegal. Average FIFA rank of the group: #27.
Iraq's group-stage campaign runs from June 16, 2026 to June 26, 2026, with three matches over approximately two weeks.
FIFA World Cup 2026 is the first edition with 48 teams, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026. The expanded format means most teams need only finish in the top three of their group to keep playing.
