Iraq becomes the final participant of the 2026 World Cup: full group lineup confirmed

The Iraq national team has become the final participant of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In the intercontinental playoff final, Iraq defeated Bolivia 2–1 to secure a spot in the tournament.

This will be only Iraq’s second appearance in World Cup history. Their first participation was in 1986 in Mexico — exactly 40 years ago. Iraq will compete in the strong Group I alongside France, Senegal, and Norway.

Earlier, DR Congo also qualified for the 2026 World Cup through the intercontinental playoffs. Through the European playoffs, Turkey, Sweden, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Czech Republic secured their places. Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time.

Full group lineup for the 2026 World Cup

Group A
Mexico
South Korea
South Africa
Czech Republic

Group B
Canada
Switzerland
Qatar
Bosnia and Herzegovina

Group C
Brazil
Morocco
Scotland
Haiti

Group D
United States
Australia
Paraguay
Turkey

Group E
Germany
Ecuador
Ivory Coast
Curaçao

Group F
Netherlands
Japan
Tunisia
Sweden

Group G
Belgium
Iran
Egypt
New Zealand

Group H
Spain
Uruguay
Saudi Arabia
Cape Verde

Group I
France
Senegal
Norway
Iraq

Group J
Argentina
Austria
Algeria
Jordan

Group K
Portugal
Colombia
Uzbekistan
DR Congo

Group L
England
Croatia
Panama
Ghana

When will the 2026 World Cup take place

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. For the first time, the tournament will be hosted by three countries: the USA, Mexico, and Canada.