Iran and Iraq at the 2026 World Cup: Qualification, Squads & Prospects

The Middle East has always been a hotbed of football passion. From the packed stands of Tehran’s Azadi Stadium to the electric atmosphere in Basra and Erbil, the sport carries a weight that transcends entertainment. For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, two of the region’s most prominent football nations — Iran and Iraq — face contrasting paths and expectations. Iran, the AFC’s most consistent World Cup qualifier, seeks to finally make an impact on the global stage. Iraq, a nation whose football has been shaped by conflict, triumph, and resilience, hopes that the expanded 48-team format provides the opportunity they have long craved.

Iran: The AFC’s Most Consistent Performer

World Cup History

Iran’s relationship with the World Cup stretches back to 1978, when Team Melli made their first appearance at the tournament in Argentina. Since then, Iran has qualified for six World Cups — 1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, and 2022 — more than any other Asian nation. Their record at the tournament itself, however, tells a story of near-misses and frustration.

In six appearances, Iran has won just two matches: a famous 2-1 victory over the United States at France 1998, a result that carried enormous political and cultural significance, and a 1-0 win over Morocco at the same tournament. At Russia 2018, Iran came agonizingly close to advancing from a group containing Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. A 1-0 win over Morocco and a narrow 1-0 loss to Spain were followed by a 1-1 draw against Portugal, with Iran hitting the post in the dying minutes of a match that would have sent them through.

At Qatar 2022, Iran opened with a 6-2 loss to England — their heaviest World Cup defeat — before beating Wales 2-0 in a dramatic late finish with two injury-time goals. A 1-0 loss to the United States in the group decider ended their campaign, continuing the pattern of competitive group stages without progression to the knockout rounds.

The 2026 Qualifying Campaign

Iran entered the 2026 qualifying cycle as the highest-ranked Asian team and one of the favorites for direct qualification. The AFC’s expanded allocation of eight direct spots (up from four-and-a-half in 2022) significantly eased the pressure, but Iran’s path was not without turbulence.

In the second round of AFC qualifying, Iran dominated their group, winning seven of eight matches and scoring 28 goals while conceding just three. The final round — featuring 18 teams in three groups of six — presented a sterner test. Iran were drawn alongside South Korea, Australia, and other competitive sides, and the campaign required the kind of consistency and resilience that has defined Iranian football at its best.

Iran’s home record has been a cornerstone of their qualifying success. The Azadi Stadium in Tehran, with its capacity of nearly 80,000, creates an atmosphere that few visiting teams can handle. The altitude, the noise, and the intensity of the Iranian support make it one of the most forbidding venues in world football.

Key Players

Mehdi Taremi — The prolific striker, who moved to Inter Milan in 2024, has been Iran’s most important attacking player for the best part of a decade. With over 45 international goals, Taremi brings a combination of aerial prowess, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing that elevates Iran from a well-organized defensive unit to a genuine attacking threat. His experience in the Serie A and Champions League has added a dimension to his game that few Asian strikers can match.

Alireza Jahanbakhsh — The versatile forward, who has plied his trade in the Eredivisie and Premier League, brings creativity and flair to the Iranian attack. Jahanbakhsh’s ability to play across the front line, his set-piece delivery, and his big-game temperament make him a key component of Iran’s offensive plans. His experience at Feyenoord and Brighton has given him exposure to different tactical systems.

Sardar Azmoun — Once dubbed the “Iranian Messi” for his dribbling and goalscoring exploits, Azmoun has endured a challenging few years with injuries but remains a potent attacking option when fit. His pace, technical ability, and eye for goal make him a constant threat, even if his best years may be behind him. At 31, the 2026 World Cup could be his swansong on the biggest stage.

Alireza Beiranvand — The goalkeeper who famously saved a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty at the 2018 World Cup has been Iran’s last line of defense for nearly a decade. His shot-stopping ability, command of his area, and composure under pressure have been vital to Iran’s qualifying campaigns.

Saeid Ezatolahi — The defensive midfielder provides the steel and discipline that allows Iran’s more creative players to flourish. His reading of the game, tackling ability, and distribution from deep have made him a fixture in the national team setup.

Coaching Situation

Iran’s coaching carousel has been a persistent source of instability. The national team has gone through multiple managers in the 2026 cycle, a pattern that has characterized Iranian football governance for decades. The tension between the Iranian Football Federation and its coaching appointments — often complicated by political pressures and financial constraints — has at times undermined the team’s preparations.

Carlos Queiroz, who led Iran at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, remains the benchmark for Iranian coaching. His disciplined, well-organized approach extracted the maximum from Iran’s talent pool and came closest to breaking the knockout-round barrier. Whether the current coaching setup can replicate that level of tactical discipline and squad harmony remains the central question heading into the tournament.

What Success Looks Like

For Iran, the definition of success has evolved. Simply qualifying is no longer enough — that box has been checked too many times. The target is clear: advance from the group stage for the first time in history. With the expanded format featuring groups of four in the first round, followed by a round of 32, the pathway to the knockout rounds is different but no less demanding. A place in the last 32 — and ideally a win in that round — would represent a historic achievement for Iranian football.

Iraq: Football as National Identity

A Story of Resilience

Iraq’s football history cannot be separated from the nation’s turbulent political history. The sport has served as a unifying force through decades of conflict, sanctions, and instability. Iraq’s greatest football achievement — winning the 2007 AFC Asian Cup — remains one of the most remarkable stories in the history of international football.

In the midst of sectarian violence, with players unable to train at home and some having lost family members to the conflict, Iraq defeated Saudi Arabia 1-0 in the final in Jakarta. Younis Mahmoud’s header sealed a victory that brought an entire nation — Sunni, Shia, Kurd — together in a rare moment of collective joy. The celebrations that followed, tragically marred by celebratory gunfire casualties, encapsulated both the beauty and the pain of Iraqi football.

World Cup History

Iraq’s World Cup history is limited to a single appearance — at Mexico 1986. In a group alongside Belgium, Mexico, and Paraguay, Iraq lost all three matches but competed with dignity. A 1-0 loss to Belgium, a 2-1 loss to host nation Mexico, and a 1-0 loss to Paraguay told the story of a team that was competitive but lacked the quality to progress.

Since then, Iraq has been a perennial nearly-team in Asian qualifying. The combination of conflict-related disruptions, home match venue issues (Iraq was forced to play “home” matches in neutral countries for years), and governance problems has consistently undermined their qualification campaigns. The 2026 cycle, with its expanded allocation of eight Asian spots, has provided the most favorable landscape in decades.

The 2026 Qualifying Campaign

Iraq’s qualifying journey has been one of the most compelling narratives in the AFC. The return of home matches to Iraq — with games played in Basra’s newly renovated stadium — has been a transformative factor. For years, Iraq had to play home qualifiers in Jordan, Iran, or other neutral venues, sacrificing the home advantage that is so crucial in international football.

The atmosphere in Basra has been extraordinary. Crowds of 60,000-plus, many of whom have never seen their national team play at home, have created an environment that has unnerved even the most experienced visiting teams. The emotional weight of these matches — for players and fans who have waited decades for this moment — adds a dimension that goes beyond football.

Iraq’s second-round qualifying campaign was strong, with the Lions of Mesopotamia topping their group and scoring freely. The final round has been more challenging, with the step up in quality testing Iraq’s squad depth and tactical sophistication.

Key Players

Mohanad Ali — The young forward burst onto the scene at the 2019 Asian Cup and has developed into Iraq’s most dangerous attacking player. His pace, directness, and eye for goal have attracted attention from European clubs, and his performances in qualifying have been crucial to Iraq’s campaign. At his best, Mohanad Ali is capable of producing moments of individual brilliance that can decide matches.

Ali Adnan — The experienced left-back brings defensive solidity and attacking thrust from the flank. His crossing ability, pace, and experience at European clubs (including Udinese and Vancouver Whitecaps) make him one of Iraq’s most well-rounded players. Adnan’s leadership and experience are invaluable in a squad that blends youth and veteran presence.

Aymen Hussein — The striker has been a consistent goalscorer for Iraq in the qualifying campaign. His poacher’s instinct, aerial ability, and willingness to run the channels make him a constant threat. Hussein’s goal record in the qualifiers has been instrumental in Iraq’s progress.

Ibrahim Bayesh — The midfielder’s composure on the ball, passing range, and ability to control the tempo of matches make him the heartbeat of Iraq’s midfield. His development over the qualifying campaign has been one of the most encouraging aspects of Iraq’s journey.

Mohammed Kassid — The veteran midfielder brings experience, tactical intelligence, and set-piece expertise to the Iraq squad. His ability to read the game and manage match situations has been crucial in tight qualifying encounters.

Coaching and Tactical Identity

Iraq’s coaching situation has also seen turnover, though the team has developed a clearer tactical identity in recent years. The emphasis on high-energy pressing, direct attacking play, and the use of the flanks has given Iraq a distinct style that differs from the more conservative approach traditionally associated with Middle Eastern teams.

The challenge for Iraq’s coaching staff has been managing a squad drawn from a wide range of leagues — from the Iraqi Premier League to European lower divisions to Gulf leagues — and forging a coherent unit from players with different tactical educations and fitness levels.

What Success Looks Like

For Iraq, simply reaching the World Cup would be a monumental achievement — their first appearance in 40 years. The 2007 Asian Cup triumph proved that Iraqi football can produce moments of transcendent brilliance, and a World Cup qualification would carry similar national significance.

If Iraq qualifies, expectations for the tournament itself would be measured. A competitive showing in the group stage — with at least one point or, ideally, a victory — would be celebrated as a triumph. But the mere act of being at the World Cup, of hearing the Iraqi national anthem before a match on the biggest stage, would be the real achievement.

Head-to-Head: A Regional Rivalry

Iran and Iraq have a complex football rivalry that mirrors their broader geopolitical relationship. The two nations have met frequently in Asian qualifying and regional tournaments, with Iran holding the historical advantage. Iran’s greater experience, more established player development pipeline, and stronger league infrastructure have typically given them the edge.

However, the rivalry has produced memorable encounters. The passion of both fanbases, the tactical intensity of the matches, and the broader political context make Iran-Iraq fixtures among the most charged in Asian football. In the 2026 qualifying cycle, their encounters — whether in group play or potential playoff scenarios — have carried enormous significance.

The Broader Middle Eastern Football Landscape

Iran and Iraq are part of a broader Middle Eastern football renaissance. Saudi Arabia’s shock victory over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, Qatar’s hosting of the tournament, and the continued investment in football infrastructure across the Gulf have elevated the region’s footballing profile. The 2026 World Cup, with its expanded format, could see an unprecedented number of Middle Eastern teams on the global stage.

For Iran, the challenge is converting consistent qualifying success into tournament impact. For Iraq, the challenge is more fundamental — qualifying for the first time in four decades and using the moment to inspire a new generation of Iraqi footballers. Both stories, regardless of outcome, speak to the transformative power of football in a region where the sport means everything.

Looking Ahead to North America

As both nations finalize their preparations for what promises to be the biggest World Cup in history, the contrasting fortunes of Iran and Iraq offer a compelling narrative. Iran, the experienced campaigner seeking a breakthrough. Iraq, the underdog powered by a nation’s hope and a 40-year wait.

The 2026 World Cup will be played across vast distances in three countries, presenting unique logistical challenges. For Middle Eastern teams accustomed to the heat of the Gulf, the varied climates of North America — from the summer heat of Texas to the cooler conditions of the Pacific Northwest — will require careful preparation.

But for fans in Tehran and Baghdad, in Tabriz and Basra, in diaspora communities around the world, the 2026 World Cup represents something that transcends climate and logistics. It represents a chance to stand on the biggest stage in world sport and show the world what their football — and their nations — are capable of.

FIFA Watch Editorial will provide comprehensive coverage of all AFC teams at the 2026 World Cup, including squad announcements, tactical previews, and match-day analysis.

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Sources: FIFA.com, AFC.com, Transfermarkt, Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI), Iraq Football Association (IFA), ESPN, The Athletic.