INA - BAGHDAD
The Iraqi national team clings to the hopes of qualifying for the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup, despite losing its first two matches in Group I, benefiting from the new tournament format that grants qualification to the best third-placed teams.
Iraq currently sits in fourth place in Group I with 0 points, having lost to Norway (1-4) and France (0-3), leaving them with a 0-point tally and a goal difference of -6. France and Norway have already secured qualification for the next round, each with six points.
The upcoming match between Iraq and Senegal, scheduled for next Friday, is of high importance to the Lions of Mesopotamia. A victory would give the national team its first three points in the tournament and lift it to third place in the group, keeping it in contention for one of the best third-placed teams to advance to the Round of 32.
Despite the difficulty of the task, Iraq's hopes remain mathematically alive. They first need to overcome Senegal and then wait for the results of their direct rivals in the other groups to secure a historic first-ever qualification for the knockout stages of this World Cup.