Iraq • Teambook

Overview

Iraq, the Lions of Mesopotamia, are one of Asian football's most emotional and inspirational stories, their on-pitch achievements often bringing unity and joy to a nation enduring great hardship. Backed by passionate support, the Iraqis are a proud and resilient footballing power.

World Cup History

Iraq's only previous World Cup appearance came in 1986 in Mexico, where they exited in the group stage. Their crowning moment as a footballing nation came in 2007, when an against-all-odds triumph at the Asian Cup united the country in celebration. After a long wait, the Lions of Mesopotamia booked a return to the World Cup for 2026 via the intercontinental playoffs, ending a 40-year absence from the global stage.

Source: Claude

ConfederationAFC (Asia)

Asian CupChampions (2007)

2026 World CupReturns via intercontinental playoff

NicknameLions of Mesopotamia

Fan contributions

@FlameRaptorRaven

Iraq repeats Infamy

This one hurts because I have a soft spot for the Lions of Mesopotamia, however, with their 5-0 loss to Senegal, they have officially thrown their hat into the ring for worst World Cup performance ever. 3 losses, 1 goal for, 12 goals against and -11 goal differential I mentioned in the Tunisia did you know that 9 teams have ended a World Cup with a goal differential of -10 or worse. Well, before today, only 5 teams had ever ended a World Cup with a goal differential of -11 or worse. Iraq is now the 6th. Which World Cup is most like Iraq’s 2026? Believe it or not, North Korea 2010: 3 losses, 1 goal for, 12 goals against and a -11 goal differential The comparison is even more striking when you realize North Korea was in the group of death back in 2010 alongside Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast. However, North Korea’s run was more humiliating than Iraq. After narrowly losing to an over-the-hill, but still daunting Brazil team 2-1, North Korea had an idea. Clearly feeling supremely confident in their squad, they broadcasted their 2nd game on local TV networks for the whole nation to see. They cut the broadcast in the 60th minute because North Korea was losing 4-0 to Portugal. The North Koreans went on to lose 7-0 and their government claimed the loss was acceptable considering Portugal’s talent (they did not mention that they lost 7-0). North Korea did not broadcast the last game against Ivory Coast, which they lost 3-0. Yes, 2026 Iraq put together one of the 10 worst World Cup campaigns ever, but they didn’t humiliate themselves. Hopefully they’ll be back in 4 years to make up for it. Ideally not in the group of death.

@Landon

Iraq-Is Three Points To Much To Ask?

1986 was the most time Iraq was in the World Cup. Their back after 40 years and hope to sneak out of group L. Iraq was the last team to punch their ticket to the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In WCQ and playoff they went 13-3-5 scoring 32 goals and conceding 14. It’s not Japans 54 but still impressive. Aymen Hussein scored 8 of the 32 goals and lead the team in scoring. Iraq has something most teams have at least one of. A star player, Iraq has nobody that can change the course of a game. I honestly don’t know how they even won some of their games. The only notable win was beating Jorden 1-0. They really just hope someone will have an incredible performance leading them to a win. They play a heavy 4-4-2 sitting back on defense hoping and waiting for the counter attack. They lack experience and creativity. Iraq is going to be relying on disciplined competent defenders and big defensive plays. Iraq lacks firepower, like I said before I don’t know who’s going to score. Maybe Aymen but you can’t truly rely on him. Just qualifying for the World Cup is a massive achievement for Iraq. But I cannot see them beating anyone in group L. I will attending their match against France in Philadelphia so I’ll get a in person look at their game. It might be 5-0 but it will still be fun. How far do you think Iraq will get and can they pull off a sneaky upset?

Iraq Did You Know & Fan Stories

Iraq repeats Infamy

Iraq-Is Three Points To Much To Ask?

Iraq • Teambook

Overview

World Cup History

Iraq repeats Infamy

Iraq-Is Three Points To Much To Ask?

Iraq • Teambook

Overview

World Cup History

Iraq repeats Infamy

Iraq-Is Three Points To Much To Ask?