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History
Iraq became the last team to qualify for 2026, beating Bolivia 2-1 in the intercontinental playoff. It's their first World Cup since 1986, ending a 40-year absence from the tournament.
Record
Iraq's 2007 Asian Cup victory — won during active conflict in the country — is considered one of sport's most emotional achievements. Players learned of car bombings at home between matches.
Culture
Iraqi football survived war, sanctions, and the Uday Hussein era when the national team was infamously punished for poor results. Their 2026 qualification was celebrated with tens of thousands in Baghdad streets.