Iraq World Cup 2026: Full Match Schedule and Dates

Iraq are back at the World Cup for the first time since 1986, and their three group-stage matches against Norway, France and Senegal are now confirmed. All dates, venues and kick-off times for Iraqi fans are below.

Iraq’s World Cup 2026 Group Stage Fixtures

Iraq are in Group I alongside France, Senegal and Norway. The group stage runs from 16 to 26 June 2026. Kick-off times below are in Iraq Standard Time (GMT+3).

All three matches take place in the eastern part of North America: Boston and Philadelphia in the United States, and Toronto in Canada. For Iraqi fans watching from home, the games kick off late at night or in the early hours of the morning.

Match 1: Iraq vs Norway — 17 June, Boston

Iraq open their World Cup campaign against Norway at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, just outside Boston. Norway qualified as UEFA Group I winners and arrive as a physically imposing side with genuine quality in attack. This is Iraq’s first World Cup match in 40 years.

A point from this opener would be a significant result for Iraq. A win would give them a real chance of advancing from the group. Norway have never won the World Cup and have had mixed results at previous tournaments, so this is not an unwinnable game for Iraq.

Match 2: France vs Iraq — 23 June, Philadelphia

Iraq’s second match is against France at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. France are among the pre-tournament favourites and are two-time World Cup winners. This is the hardest fixture in Iraq’s group by some distance.

France qualified from UEFA Group D and arrive with a squad built around top European club players. Iraq will need a strong defensive performance to limit the damage, and any point taken here would be historic.

Match 3: Senegal vs Iraq — 26 June, Toronto

Iraq’s final group match is against Senegal at BMO Field in Toronto. Senegal qualified as CAF Group B winners and are ranked in the top 20 in the world. This match is likely to be the decisive one for Iraq’s hopes of advancing to the Round of 32.

Both teams will have a clearer picture of what they need from this game going into the third matchday. If Iraq have taken points from Norway, this becomes a must-watch fixture with genuine stakes on both sides.

Iraq’s Key Players at World Cup 2026

Coach Graham Arnold has named a 26-man squad for the tournament, blending European-based players with domestic talent.

Aymen Hussein

The leading striker and Iraq’s top scorer in Asian qualifying, with eight goals during the campaign. He also scored the winner in the playoff final against Bolivia that secured Iraq’s place at the tournament. At 30, he is the focal point of the attack and the player most likely to score at this World Cup.

Ali Al-Hamadi

A forward who plays for Luton Town F.C, making him the first Iraqi player to appear in the Championship. He scored in the playoff final against Bolivia alongside Hussein. His experience in English football gives Iraq a physical threat and a player comfortable under pressure.

Zidane Iqbal

A central midfielder who plays for FC Utrecht in the Netherlands. Born in Manchester to Iraqi and Pakistani parents, Iqbal was previously part of Manchester United’s youth academy. He brings technical quality and European experience to Iraq’s midfield.

Iraq at the World Cup: The 40-Year Wait

Iraq’s only previous World Cup appearance was in 1986 in Mexico, where they were eliminated in the group stage. Their return to the tournament in 2026 comes after a qualifying campaign that involved more matches than any other nation, starting in November 2023 and ending only when Aymen Hussein scored the winning goal against Bolivia in March 2026.

Iraq were drawn into Group I alongside France, Senegal and Norway. France are the group’s clear favourites. Norway and Senegal are strong sides ranked well above Iraq. Advancing from this group will require something exceptional, but Iraq have shown throughout qualifying that they are capable of results against the odds.

Betting on Iraq at World Cup 2026

Iraq’s matches against Norway and Senegal are the two fixtures where a result is most realistic. The Norway game on 17 June is the opener and carries enormous weight: a win or draw would immediately change the conversation around Iraq’s chances of advancing.

Betfinal is one of the most popular bookmakers among Iraqi football fans, with Arabic support and local deposit methods. They offer live betting on all World Cup matches, including Iraq’s three group games, and a $25,000 Leaderboard that runs throughout the tournament with losing bets still earning points.

For everything Betfinal offers during World Cup 2026, including the Early Settlement feature (a 3-0 lead means immediate payout), see our full World Cup promotions overview. You can also read our full Betfinal World Cup 2026 review on the site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 4 June 2026