Iraq World Cup 2026 Preview: Odds, Picks, Players to Watch & Predictions
DB Spots Trends
With a passion for data and tactical analysis, leveraging those interests to find value in the markets. Massive Jurgen Klopp fan, and Liverpool supporter.
- 📔 What are the key stats and facts I need to know before betting on Iraq at the World Cup 2026?
- 🔥 What free bets are available for Iraq's World Cup games?
- ✅ What is the best bet for Iraq at the World Cup 2026?
- 🌍 How did Iraq qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
- 👔 Who is the Iraq manager at the World Cup 2026?
- 🔎 Who are Iraq's key players to watch at World Cup 2026?
- 🔮 What is Andy's Bet Club and how does it work for World Cup 2026 tips?
Iraq are returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1986, ending a 40-year hiatus from the competition, after scraping through the AFC qualifiers.
They have been drawn in Group I alongside France, Senegal and Norway, which looks like one of the most competitive groups on paper, so Iraq could struggle.
📔 What are the key stats and facts I need to know before betting on Iraq at the World Cup 2026?
🔥 What free bets are available for Iraq's World Cup games?
✅ What is the best bet for Iraq at the World Cup 2026?
Iraq Best Bet
- Tuesday 16th June
🌍 How did Iraq qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
Iraq were comfortable in the first two qualifying rounds, but they were then beaten to the automatic playoff spots by South Korea and Jordan. That meant they had to go to a fourth stage, where they were up against Saudi Arabia and Indonesia.
Iraq beat Indonesia, but then drew with Saudi Arabia, meaning they missed out on top spot because they scored fewer goals than the Green Falcons. However, Iraq were given one last chance - an inter-continental playoff match which was against Bolivia.
Iraq were able to make that count, despite having to resist a barrage of pressure from the South American side in the second-half, and they won 2-1.
👔 Who is the Iraq manager at the World Cup 2026?
Graham Arnold has been in charge of Iraq since the third round of the qualifiers, having previously been the manager of the Australian national team.
He led the Socceroos for six years, making him the longest-serving coach in their history, but he recently resigned following a poor run of form. Graham has plenty of managerial experience, and he led Australia to the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup before they were eliminated by eventual winners Argentina.
🔎 Who are Iraq's key players to watch at World Cup 2026?
Aymen Hussein
Aymen Hussein is Iraq's main goal threat, with 33 international goals under his belt. He is expected to spearhead the Iraq attack once again, and it was his goal that made it 2-1 in the playoff final, ultimately helping his side feature in the World Cup this summer.
Prior to that, Hussein bagged five goals in 11 matches during the AFC qualifiers, which shows just how important he is. He is the captain and talisman for his side.
Amir Al-Ammari
Amir Al-Ammari also played a big role in that playoff final, as he provided the assist for Ali Al-Hamadi to open the scoring. Al-Ammari plays as a central midfielder for Cracovia in the Polish top flight, and he has been a key player for them this season.
Al-Ammari is perhaps the best player in the Iraq squad, and he will likely be responsible for free-kicks and potentially penalties behind Hussein.
Ali Jasim
Ali Jasim is one of the younger players in Arnold's squad, and he will want to use this World Cup as an opportunity to try and make a name for himself. Jasim typically operates on the right wing, and he often looks to beat his marker and make things happen in the final third.
The 22-year-old plays for Al-Najma in the Saudi Pro League, and he recorded four goals and one assist from his 24 appearances in the league.
🔮 What is Andy's Bet Club and how does it work for World Cup 2026 tips?
Keep up with Andy's Tips, including World Cup Predictions and World Cup 2026 Free Bet Offers, on Andy's Bet Club, including an Enhanced Betfair France to Win Group I New Customer Offer.
For World Cup outright betting, check out our World Cup Group I Outrights, World Cup Players to Watch Tips, World Cup Golden Boot Tips, and World Cup Outrights Updates.
Best Free Bets, Offers & Betting Sites for World Cup 2026
The World Cup is the best time to create a new bookmaker account because the Bookmaker Offers are much better. Andy and the Andy's Bet Club experts have tried and tested the Free Bets, and here are their favourites:
* I recommend waiting for confirmed team line-ups before placing any bets.
* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing.
18+ please gamble responsibly.