Iraq National Team — FIFA World Cup History
AFC · 1 World Cup appearances · Group stage
Overview
Iraq made their sole FIFA World Cup appearance in 1986 in Mexico. The Lions of Mesopotamia qualified from Asia and faced a tough group containing Paraguay, Belgium, and hosts Mexico.
Iraq lost all three matches but scored their only World Cup goal against Belgium through Ahmed Radhi. Despite the results, Iraq's qualification was a proud moment, and they later won the 2007 AFC Asian Cup in remarkable circumstances.
The national team has contributed to the growth and development of football in Asia, with their World Cup participation inspiring new generations of players. Their campaigns have demonstrated the increasing competitiveness of Asian football on the global stage. The team continues to invest in youth development and infrastructure, aiming for consistent World Cup qualification and improved performances.
Quick Stats
- Appearances
- 1
- Titles
- 0
- Runner-up
- 0
- Third place
- 0
- First appearance
- 1986
- Last appearance
- 1986
- Confederation
- AFC
World Cup Appearances
| Year | Host | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Mexico | Group Stage |
Achievements
- 1 World Cup appearance (1986)
- Scored against Belgium
- 3 World Cup matches played
- 0 wins, 0 draws, 3 losses
- 1 goal scored
- AFC Asian Cup winners 2007
Legendary Players
- Ahmed Radhi — Scored Iraq's only World Cup goal against Belgium in 1986. Played 3 World Cup matches. Made 60+ caps with 20+ goals. Iraq's greatest player.
- Hussein Saeed — Iraq's all-time top scorer with 78 goals. Played 3 World Cup matches in 1986. Made 130+ caps. Legendary striker.
- Younis Mahmoud — Iraq's most capped player with 148 caps. Did not play at World Cup but scored winning goal in 2007 Asian Cup final.
- Raad Hammoudi — Goalkeeper who played 3 World Cup matches in 1986. Made 60+ caps. Solid presence between the posts.
- Basil Gorgis — Defender who played 3 World Cup matches in 1986. Made 70+ caps. Key player in Iraq's World Cup squad.
- Haris Mohammed — Midfielder who played 3 World Cup matches in 1986. Made 50+ caps. Part of Iraq's historic World Cup team.
Tactical Identity
Iraq's 1986 team played organized, defensive football under coach Evaristo de Macedo. They tried to stay compact and hit opponents on the counter.
The team's strength lay in their determination and fighting spirit. Though outclassed, they competed and Ahmed Radhi's goal against Belgium showed they had quality.
Head-to-Head Highlights
- Iraq's only World Cup goal came from Ahmed Radhi in the 2-1 defeat to Belgium. They also lost 1-0 to Paraguay and 1-0 to hosts Mexico.
- The narrow defeats showed Iraq were competitive, but they lacked the quality to get results against established teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has Iraq played in the FIFA World Cup?
Iraq has played in 1 FIFA World Cup tournament: 1986 in Mexico. They played 3 matches with 0 wins, 0 draws, and 3 losses, scoring 1 goal. They have not qualified since.
Has Iraq ever won the World Cup?
No, Iraq has never won the FIFA World Cup. Their only appearance was in 1986, where they were eliminated in the group stage. Iraq won the AFC Asian Cup in 2007.
What was Iraq's best World Cup performance?
Iraq's only World Cup appearance was in 1986 in Mexico. They lost all three matches to Paraguay (1-0), Belgium (2-1), and Mexico (1-0), with Ahmed Radhi scoring their only goal.
When did Iraq first appear in the World Cup?
Iraq first appeared in the FIFA World Cup in 1986 in Mexico. They qualified from Asia and became one of the few Middle Eastern teams to reach the tournament at that time.