Qualifying updates, milestone announcements, friendly match details, and the journey to the 2026 World Cup.
Iraq faced Bolivia in the World Championship Qualification, Inter-Confederation final match and won 2-1 to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Iraq's return to the World Cup after 40 years ended in a 4-1 defeat to Norway in Boston. Ayman Hussein equalised after Erling Haaland's opener, but Haaland struck again before half-time to restore Norway's lead. Leo Østigard made it 3-1 on 76 minutes, and a cruel Ayman Hussein own goal deep in injury time sealed the scoreline — a bittersweet evening for the striker who had earlier given Iraq hope.
Iraq finished bottom of Group I and were eliminated in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.