RIYADH: It has been more than 850 days since Iraq’s journey to North America began. A crowd of 64,447 at Basra International Stadium witnessed a decisive 5-1 victory over Indonesia in the second round of Asian qualifiers — setting the tone for what would become a memorable, yet turbulent, campaign.
Twenty games, a managerial change, a regional war and a FIFA private jet later, Iraq have made it to Monterrey.
With an intercontinental play-off against Bolivia looming on Wednesday, Iraq will overtake Indonesia as the most active nation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with 21 matches played. Only Australia have played more in a single campaign, with the Socceroos enduring a 22-game journey to reach Russia 2018.
Yet just 30 days ago, Iraq faced a major scare as war engulfed the Middle East. Airspaces and embassies closed — complicating visa arrangements — while head coach Graham Arnold was unable to leave the UAE.
Arnold requested a postponement. Alternative travel routes were discussed. Rumours spread over Iran’s participation at the World Cup and whether a potential withdrawal could open a direct path for Iraq.
