Group I · FIFA World Cup 2026
🇮🇶 Iraq at World Cup 2026
Iraq enters the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Group I alongside France, Senegal, Norway. Here is everything you need: the full fixture schedule, group opponents and team background.
Group
Group I
Confederation
AFC
World Cups
3
Best result
Group stage
Host nation
No
Iraq group-stage fixtures
Iraq plays three group-stage matches in Group I. All times are Eastern Time (ET).
Group I opponents
Click any team to see their full fixture list and group context.
Iraq at the 2026 World Cup
Iraq regresa a un Mundial por primera vez desde México 1986. Los "Leones de Mesopotamia" han vivido un renacimiento futbolístico bajo la tutela de la AFC y llegan al torneo con una generación competitiva.
In 2026, Iraq faces France, Senegal, Norway in the group stage. The top two teams in Group I qualify directly to the Round of 32. Even a third-place finish could be enough if Iraq post strong results — the eight best third-place records across all 12 groups also advance.
How does Iraq qualify from Group I?
In the 2026 World Cup group stage, teams earn 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw and 0 for a loss. The maximum from 3 matches is 9 points.
1st or 2nd in Group I
Automatic Round of 32 spot
3rd in Group I with a strong record
Potential Round of 32 spot (if top-8 third)
4th in Group I
Eliminated after group stage
Tiebreakers within the group follow this order: goal difference → goals scored → head-to-head points → head-to-head goal difference → disciplinary record → FIFA draw.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which group is Iraq in at the 2026 World Cup?
Iraq is in Group I with France, Senegal, Norway.
When does Iraq play its first World Cup 2026 match?
Iraq opens the group stage on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 18:00 ET at gillette.
How can Iraq qualify for the knockout stage?
The top two teams in Group I advance automatically to the Round of 32. The eight best third-place finishers across all 12 groups also advance, so Iraq can qualify even without finishing first or second — but that depends on results across all groups.
How many World Cups has Iraq appeared in?
Iraq has appeared in 3 FIFA World Cups. Their best result is Group stage.
What is Iraq's best World Cup result?
Iraq's best result is Group stage.
Is Iraq a host nation at the 2026 World Cup?
No — Iraq qualified through their continental qualifying campaign.
How many matches does Iraq play in the 2026 World Cup group stage?
Iraq plays exactly three group-stage matches — one against each of their Group I opponents: France, Senegal, Norway. If they qualify, they play additional knockout-round matches starting with the Round of 32.