Forty years is a long time to wait. Iraq will finally return to the FIFA World Cup on June 26, 2026, when they take on Senegal in their Group I opener at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada. The starting lineup has been confirmed, and the occasion carries a weight that goes well beyond a single football match.
Coach Graham Arnold has named his XI in a 4-3-3 formation, a shape that balances defensive structure with attacking intent. The squad blends players from European clubs with regional talent, signaling that this is not simply a ceremonial appearance.
The lineup and what it tells us
Ahmad Basil starts in goal. The most recognizable name in Arnold’s selection is Ali Al-Hamadi, who plays his club football for Ipswich Town in England. Al-Hamadi represents the bridge between Iraqi football’s domestic base and its growing diaspora of players competing at European club level.
Iraq has never faced Senegal in a competitive fixture before, which means both coaching staffs are working with limited direct data on the other.
