Published: 11:46 AM, 02 June 2026
Iraq squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 announced
Iraq head coach Graham Arnold named his final 26-man World Cup squad on Monday, relying heavily on the core group of players who secured qualification through the intercontinental playoffs.
Experienced forward Aymen Hussein ?is set to spearhead the Iraqi attack in North America. The veteran striker, a talismanic figure for the national team, leads a potent frontline that also features Ipswich Town's Ali Al-Hamadi and talented youngsters Ali Jassim?and Youssef Amyn.
A notable omission from ?Arnold's selection was Dundee defender Dario Naamo. The full-back was excluded after recently changing his sporting nationality, having represented Finland at youth international level.
Arnold's midfield selections boast considerable European experience, headlined by Utrecht's ZidaneIqbal and Heerenveen'sAimarSher. Arnold has also decided to keep goalkeeper KamilSaadi with the squad during the training camp as a precaution against potential ?injuries. Iraq are returning to the global showpiece event for the first time in 40 years after beating Bolivia 2-1 in April to secure the final World Cup spot.
They have been drawn in Group I alongside France, Senegal and Norway.
Iraq Squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 Goalkeepers: FahadTalib, Jalal Hassan, Ahmed Basil.
Defenders: Hussein Ali, ManafYounis, ZaidTahseen, RebinSulaka, AkamHashem, Merchas Doski, Ahmed Yahya, Zaid Ismail, FransPutros, Mustafa Saadoon.
Midfielders: Amir Al ?Ammari, Kevin Yakob, ZidaneIqbal, AimarSher, Ibrahim ?Bayesh, Ahmed Qasim, Youssef Amyn, Marko Farji.
Forwards: Ali Jassim, Ali Al Hamadi, Ali Yousef, Aymen Hussein, Mohanad Ali.
>>Reuters
