Iraq’s World Cup Qualifier: A Lasting Hope, A Strategist’s Plan, and a Dash of Faith

World Cup Playoff Prep Update

The president of the Iraqi Football Association, Adnan Darjal, chaired a wide-ranging meeting with the national teams department today to map the next phase of preparations for the national squad ahead of the decisive World Cup playoff for 2026.

The aim of the gathering was to craft a comprehensive program that meets fans’ expectations and places the team in peak technical and physical condition for the crucial clash.

Darjal underscored that the federation has placed the dream of millions of Iraqis at the center of their plans, noting that qualifying for the World Cup for a second time is within reach, with everyone bearing increased responsibility as the playoff approaches.

The federation will implement a thorough plan that includes domestic and international camps, strong friendly matches, and all the necessary technical and administrative support to reach the best possible readiness before the tie.

He added that the team is one step away from qualification, a reality that increases pressure but also demonstrates that players and staff have the resolve to fulfill the nation’s hopes.

Darjal also emphasized the importance of unity among the federation, the national teams department, and the technical staff, along with the unwavering support of fans who have always been a source of strength for the side.

Draw Results

The World Cup playoff draw, held in Zurich, placed Iraq in Path 2, where they will face the winner of Bolivia vs Suriname. This clash is pivotal because it will determine who advances to the final of the global playoff to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

The two-leg path will have the semifinals and final staged in the Mexican cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey in late March.

The winners of the paths will join two other teams in the expanded 2026 edition hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, bringing the total to 47 and 48 participants.

In Path 1, the Democratic Republic of the Congo faces the winner of New Caledonia vs Jamaica, while Iraq competes in Path 2.

Iraq’s campaign carries a historic memory of their first World Cup appearance in 1986 in Mexico, lending a special flavor to this journey for the fans.

During the meeting, the national teams department discussed a range of proposals related to physical and tactical preparation, as well as coordination mechanisms with local clubs and sports institutions to ensure selected players can join camps on time and without obstacles to the training program.

Further discussions covered the needs of the coaching staff led by the current head coach, including training camps in environments akin to Mexico’s climate, with attention to altitude and weather differences.

Darjal confirmed that the federation will choose optimal training locations, whether within Asia or in Latin America, to enhance players’ exposure to teams with similar styles and to build experience against diverse opponents.

He also stressed that logistical and administrative support would be continuous to avoid any impediments that could affect the team’s focus ahead of the decisive date.

Renewed Confidence

At the close of the meeting, the federation president reaffirmed complete trust in the coaching staff and players, insisting that the squad possesses all the credentials needed to advance through the playoff and represent Iraqi football in the best possible light at the 2026 World Cup.

He urged fans to continue their backing in the coming phase, noting that supporter enthusiasm has always been a crucial element of the team’s success.

The Iraqi Football Association aims to build a strong squad capable of competing both regionally and globally, with the playoff serving as a genuine test and a chance to elevate Iraqi football on the world stage.

As supporters await the decisive date, the federation pledged that all efforts would be made to reach the highest levels of technical, physical, and moral readiness, as Iraq eyes a return to the World Cup after a four-decade absence.

League Schedule and Arab Cup Prep

There is a strong move within the Iraqi federation to postpone the eighth round of the Iraqi league to focus on preparation for the Arab Cup in Qatar, with the seventh round concluding next Sunday and a preparatory camp to follow.

Iraq is drawn into Group D, alongside Algeria, the defending champions, and the winners of Bahrain vs Djibouti as well as Sudan vs Lebanon.

The fans are urged to stay tuned as the team's preparation intensifies, with expectations mounting for a strong push toward the global stage.

Punchline 1: If patience were a weapon, Iraq’s plan to 2026 would have a silencer—quietly lethal, especially once the ball starts bouncing to the right goal.

Punchline 2: They say the best defense is a good offense—good thing Iraq is loading both, because the calendar is full of goals and a few coffee-fueled late-night strategems.