Iraq World Cup 2026: Full Match Schedule and Dates

Iraq are 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 underway. Match 1 against Norway is done: Iraq lost 1-4 in Boston on June 16, with Aymen Hussein scoring Iraq’s first World Cup goal in 40 years. France is next on June 22/23, then the decisive clash with Senegal on June 26 in Toronto.

Iraq’s Full World Cup 2026 Schedule

All three matches take place in the eastern part of North America: Boston and Philadelphia in the United States, and Toronto in Canada. Kick-off times are in Iraq Standard Time (GMT+3).

Group I Standings After Matchday 1

Norway top the group on goal difference over France, both on three points. Iraq and Senegal are both on zero after losing their opening games. In the expanded 48-team format, the top two from each group advance automatically, with the eight best third-placed teams also going through, so Iraq still have a route to the Round of 32.

Match 1 Result: Iraq 1-4 Norway (June 16, Boston)

Iraq’s World Cup return began at Boston Stadium in Foxborough on June 16. Norway won 4-1, but the scoreline was harsher than the game suggested for long periods.

Iraq were competitive in the first half. Haaland opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a tap-in from a David Moller Wolfe cross, but Hussein levelled with a powerful header from Amir Al-Ammari’s delivery in the 39th minute. That was Iraq’s first World Cup goal in 40 years. Two minutes before half-time, a costly back-pass error from Zaid Tahseen let Haaland chase down the ball and score past Jalal Hassan to restore Norway’s lead.

The second half was controlled by Norway. Leo Ostigard headed in an Odegaard corner on 76 minutes, and deep in stoppage time Hussein deflected a Haaland header into his own net for the fourth. Iraq had 11 attempts in total, eight from inside the penalty area, but converted only one. Ali Jasim was Iraq’s best player throughout, creating the equaliser and providing quality in tight spaces. Zidane Iqbal had a difficult debut but will be key against France.

Match 2: France vs Iraq – 22 June, Philadelphia

Iraq’s second match is against France at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Kick-off is at 6:00 PM ET on June 22, which is midnight Iraq time on June 23. France are the group’s clear favourites and among the pre-tournament contenders for the title.

France beat Senegal 3-1 on June 16 in New Jersey. Kylian Mbappe scored twice and Bradley Barcola added a third, with substitute Ibrahim Mbaye pulling one back for Senegal late on. France’s squad is built around top European club talent and they are two-time World Cup winners (1998, 2018).

For Iraq, this is the hardest fixture in the group. A disciplined defensive performance is the priority. Limiting France to one or two goals would keep Iraq’s goal difference in a range where the Senegal game on June 26 still matters. Any point taken here would be historic.

Match 3: Senegal vs Iraq – 26 June, Toronto

Iraq’s final group game is against Senegal at BMO Field in Toronto on June 26. Kick-off is at 3:00 PM ET, which is 10:00 PM Iraq time. After both teams lost their opening games, this is effectively a must-win for Iraq.

Senegal lost 3-1 to France despite dominating the first half and missing several clear chances, including Ismaila Sarr blazing over from six yards. They have quality throughout, with Sadio Mane, Nicolas Jackson, Kalidou Koulibaly and Pape Matar Sarr all capable of influencing a match at this level. But their finishing let them down against France, and Iraq will look to exploit that.

Both teams need three points. A draw almost certainly eliminates both sides. This is the game where Iraq’s World Cup 2026 story will be decided.

Iraq’s Key Players at World Cup 2026

Aymen Hussein

Iraq’s captain and top scorer in Asian qualifying, with eight goals during the campaign, including the winner in the playoff final against Bolivia. He scored Iraq’s first World Cup goal in 40 years against Norway and leads the line with aerial quality and composure in front of goal. His form and confidence going into the France and Senegal games is crucial.

Ali Jasim

The Como midfielder was Iraq’s best player against Norway. He created the equaliser with a clever reverse pass and was the most technically consistent Iraqi player throughout the 90 minutes. His ability to operate in tight spaces and link play under pressure makes him central to anything Iraq can build against France and Senegal.

Zidane Iqbal

The FC Utrecht midfielder had a difficult opening game, with his back-pass error contributing directly to Norway’s second goal. At 22, he has the quality to recover and provide the midfield control Iraq need over the next two fixtures. He was previously in Manchester United’s youth academy and brings European experience to the squad.

Ali Al-Hamadi

A forward with experience in the English Championship at Ipswich Town, making him the first Iraqi to play in that division. He scored in the playoff final against Bolivia alongside Hussein and offers a physical threat and experience of football under pressure.

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 after losing all three matches. Their return in 2026 comes after a qualifying campaign that involved more matches than any other nation, starting in November 2023 and ending when Aymen Hussein scored the winning goal against Bolivia in March 2026 to secure the tournament’s final spot.

Hussein’s goal against Norway on June 16 was Iraq’s second-ever World Cup goal and their first in 40 years. The moment summed up everything this tournament means to Iraqi football, regardless of the final score.

Bet on Iraq’s Remaining World Cup Matches at Betfinal

Iraq still have two matches to play, and both carry enormous weight. Place your bets on France vs Iraq and Senegal vs Iraq at Betfinal and earn points for the $25,000 World Cup Leaderboard. The Leaderboard runs until the Final on 19 July and losing bets count towards your points total, so every match between now and the end of the group stage puts you in contention.

Betfinal also offers the Digital Passport, where collecting all 10 badges during the tournament enters you into a draw for an iPad Pro. For a full overview of what Betfinal is running across the tournament, read our Betfinal World Cup 2026 review, or head to the World Cup betting page for the latest odds on Iraq’s next two fixtures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 18 June 2026