Iraq is back at the World Cup after 40 years — and the entire nation will be watching. Last seen at Mexico 1986, Iraq’s return to the global stage is the biggest story in Iraqi football history. Al Iraqiya Sports airs every Iraq match free on state TV. The Senegal closer at 22:00 AST is prime time; the France and Norway matches are midnight kickoffs, but nobody in Iraq will be sleeping through this.
Where to Watch: Free and Paid
- Al Iraqiya Sports — Free state television. All Iraq national team matches broadcast free-to-air across the country
- beIN Sports MENA — All 104 matches via satellite and beIN CONNECT streaming (paid subscription)
- Iraqi Sports Channels — Additional free coverage of Iraq matches on local sports channels
How to Start Watching
Al Iraqiya Sports (Free — Iraq Matches)
- Live TV: Al Iraqiya Sports channel via terrestrial broadcast, satellite (Nilesat/Arabsat), and cable operators nationwide
- Streaming: Al Iraqiya website and social media feeds
- Commentary: Arabic commentary with dedicated Iraqi national team coverage and analysis
- Availability: Free across all of Iraq — no subscription required
beIN Sports MENA (All 104 Matches)
- Satellite: Available via Arabsat/Nilesat across the MENA region
- Streaming: beIN CONNECT app and website
- Devices: iOS, Android, Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Smart TVs, web browser
- Commentary: Arabic and English feeds
- Features: Multi-screen, 4K on select matches, on-demand replays
When to Watch: Kickoff Times in Iraq
Iraq uses AST (UTC+3) year-round:
| US Kickoff (ET) | Local Time (AST) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| 11:00 AM ET | 18:00 AST | Early evening — great |
| 2:00 PM ET | 21:00 AST | Prime time — perfect |
| 5:00 PM ET | 00:00 AST (+1 day) | Midnight — late but doable |
| 8:00 PM ET | 03:00 AST (+1 day) | Deep night — tough |
Group I Schedule (Iraq time):
| Match | Date / Local Time | City |
|---|---|---|
| Iraq vs Norway | June 17, 01:00 AST | Foxborough (Boston) |
| Iraq vs France | June 23, 00:00 AST | Philadelphia |
| Iraq vs Senegal | June 26, 22:00 AST | Toronto |
The Senegal match at 22:00 AST is the most viewer-friendly slot. The Norway and France matches fall around midnight — late, but for a 40-year homecoming, Iraqi fans will not be going to bed early.
Must-Watch Matches
- Final — July 19, MetLife Stadium. 22:00 AST
- Semifinals — July 14-15
- Iraq vs Norway — June 16, 01:00 AST. The historic return match — Iraq’s first World Cup game in 40 years. Expect tears, fireworks, and streets flooded across Baghdad
- Iraq vs France — June 22, 00:00 AST. A monumental clash against the reigning runners-up — the kind of match Iraqi fans have dreamed about for four decades
The 40-Year Story
- 1986 Mexico: Iraq’s only previous World Cup appearance. They lost all three group matches but the experience remains legendary in Iraqi football lore
- Decades of conflict: Wars, sanctions, and instability kept Iraqi football from reaching its potential despite enormous grassroots passion
- 2007 Asian Cup triumph: Iraq won the Asian Cup against all odds during active conflict — proof of the nation’s unbreakable football spirit
- 2026 qualification: The moment Iraq qualified, celebrations erupted across Baghdad, Erbil, Basra, and Iraqi communities worldwide
Watch Culture
- Baghdad cafes: The capital’s countless tea houses and cafes will install extra screens. Karrada and Mansour districts become open-air viewing zones
- Basra passion: Iraq’s southern football heartland — expect the most intense viewing parties in the country
- Erbil fan zones: Kurdistan Region will set up organized viewing events
- Iraqi diaspora: Large communities in Amman, Istanbul, Detroit, and London will organize massive watch parties
FAQ
Can I watch Iraq’s World Cup matches for free? Yes. Al Iraqiya Sports (state TV) broadcasts all Iraq matches free-to-air across the country.
When was Iraq’s last World Cup appearance? Iraq last appeared at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. The 2026 tournament marks a 40-year absence — the longest return gap for any team at this World Cup.
What time do Iraq’s matches kick off locally? The Senegal match is at 22:00 AST (prime time). The Norway and France matches are at 01:00 and 00:00 AST respectively — late night but manageable for this historic occasion.
Is beIN Sports available in Iraq? Yes. beIN Sports MENA covers all 104 matches via satellite and beIN CONNECT streaming, available across Iraq.