Iraq Return to World Cup After 40 Years of War, Torture and Exile

Iraq qualified for their second World Cup in March, ending a 40-year absence that spanned wars, sanctions, and Saddam Hussein's torture regime. The Lions of Mesopotamia secured their spot with a play-off victory over Bolivia in Mexico City, the same country where they made their debut in 1986.

This is not the same Iraq that lost all three matches four decades ago. Graham Arnold's squad features Ali Al-Hamadi of Ipswich Town, former Manchester United midfielder Zidane Iqbal, and Danish champion kevin-yakob" class="entity-link entity-link--player">Kevin Yakob. They enter Group G as massive underdogs against France, Norway and Senegal, but carry zero pressure and plenty of hunger.

From Torture to Triumph: Iraq's Incredible Journey Back

The path from 1986 to 2026 runs through unimaginable darkness. Under Uday Hussein, son of dictator Saddam, Iraqi footballers endured systematic torture that included training with concrete balls, floggings, and imprisonment for poor performances.

The Uday Hussein Terror Years

From 1984 until the regime's fall in 2003, Iraq's national team operated under constant threat. Players who disappointed faced beatings, had their heads shaved, or were forced to kick concrete balls until their feet bled. Some were imprisoned in the Olympic Committee basement.

Karim Allawi, who played in the 1986 World Cup, remains reluctant to discuss those times.

To put it briefly, during that period, there was a very strict principle of reward and punishment in place.

Playing Home Games in Exile

The 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Saddam created new challenges. Iraq hasn't played a World Cup qualifier in Baghdad since, instead hosting matches in jordan" class="entity-link entity-link--team">Jordan, Malaysia, and Iran. Only in March 2020 did FIFA approve the southern city of Basra for home games.

Even qualifying for 2026 nearly derailed when Middle East conflicts threatened to postpone their crucial play-off. Coach Arnold and several players struggled to leave the country for Mexico, but ultimately made it and returned to heroes' welcomes in Baghdad.

Why Iraq Could Shock the World Cup Giants

This Iraq side bears little resemblance to the team that scored just one goal in three matches at Mexico 1986. The modern squad combines European experience with World Cup-winning coaching expertise.

The Graham Arnold Factor

Arnold took Australia to the second round in 2022, where they pushed eventual champions Argentina to the limit. The 62-year-old guided Iraq through 21 qualifying matches, including nerve-shredding play-offs against UAE and Bolivia.

TV sports reporter Nawar Faeq Al-Rikabi sees parallels with Australia's 2022 campaign.

In 2022, Argentina found it very hard to win against Australia. It will be the same with us. He is very experienced and I think we will do something really good.

European-Based Talent

Iraq's squad depth has transformed dramatically:

• Ali Al-Hamadi - Ipswich Town striker bringing Championship physicality
• Zidane Iqbal - Former Manchester United midfielder now starring at Utrecht
• Kevin Yakob - Fresh from winning the Danish title with AGF
• Multiple players with experience in Turkey, Sweden and Belgium

This European contingent provides tactical sophistication and big-match temperament absent in 1986.

The Betting Angle: Value in Football's Ultimate Underdogs

Iraq enter Group G as rank outsiders, but smart money might find value in specific markets. They face Norway first on 16 June in Boston, followed by matches against France and Senegal.

Where the Value Lies

Traditional win markets offer little appeal, but consider these angles:

• Iraq to score in all three matches - They managed just one goal in 1986; this squad has far more firepower
• Double chance draws - Arnold's defensive organisation could frustrate superior opponents
• Player specials - Al-Hamadi and Iqbal offer value for anytime goalscorer markets
• Qualification surprise - At massive odds, Iraq to finish third could pay handsomely

The Pressure-Free Advantage

While France carry World Cup holder expectations and Norway face Haaland hysteria, Iraq arrive with house money. Al-Rikabi captured the mood perfectly.

People may think we are the weakest team in the group but anything could happen. We will be fine, there is no pressure on the Iraqi players, they just have to perform and we have quality players who can perform.

Teams with nothing to lose have troubled giants before. Morocco reached the semi-finals in 2022. Croatia made consecutive finals as supposed underdogs. Iraq's combination of tactical discipline, European experience, and emotional motivation could make them 2026's surprise package.

What Happens Next

Iraq's World Cup preparations intensify with friendlies against European and South American opposition planned for early 2026. Arnold will use these matches to bed in his preferred system and integrate late additions to the squad.

The opening match against Norway at Gillette Stadium looms as crucial. Avoid defeat there, and Iraq could approach the France match with genuine belief. For a nation that's waited 40 years through war and suffering, even competitive defeats would represent progress. But this squad, forged in adversity and freed from fear, might just deliver something special.