BAGHDAD — Iraq has officially announced its 26-player squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, marking a bold step toward the nation’s first-ever appearance in the tournament’s history. The roster, unveiled by head coach Hassan Minja on Monday, features Premier League talent Ali Al-Hamadi of Brentford and Manchester United’s Zidane Iqbal, signaling a blend of domestic experience and international pedigree.
Minja, who took charge in August 2023, has emphasized a transitional squad, with an average age of 24, aiming to balance raw potential with proven performers. Al-Hamadi, 22, scored 15 goals in the English Championship last season and brings elite finishing to the frontline, while Iqbal, 21, offers creativity in midfield after making his senior debut for Manchester United in 2021.
📋 Squad Breakdown
- 10 players — From domestic clubs like Al-Shorta and Al-Zawraa
- 8 players — Based in Europe, including England, Germany, and Belgium
- 5 players — From Asia, including Qatar SC and Al-Arabi
- 3 goalkeepers — All under 25 years old
The qualifiers begin in September, with Iraq placed in Group F alongside Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Tajikistan. The group’s top two teams advance to the final round, with only one direct slot available for the 2026 tournament. Minja has called the group “the toughest in our history,” but stressed confidence in his squad’s adaptability.
Key Dynamics
- ⚡ Al-Hamadi vs. Iqbal — The strike partnership could redefine Iraq’s attacking potency
- 🔄 Youth Movement — 14 of 26 players are under 23, signaling a generational shift
- 🏟️ Home Advantage — Iraq will play all home matches in Basra’s Basra International Stadium
In a tactical shift, Minja has included three attacking midfielders, including Iqbal and Duhok’s Ahmed Al-Ali, to exploit set-pieces and counterattacks—a strategy that yielded six goals in the last two friendlies. The squad’s fitness camp in Erbil has focused on high-intensity drills, with medical staff monitoring load management for Europe-based players.
| Player | Club | Position | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ali Al-Hamadi | Brentford | Striker | 22 |
| Zidane Iqbal | Manchester United | Midfielder | 21 |
| Amir Al-Ammari | Al-Shorta | Goalkeeper | 23 |
| Hussein Ali | Al-Zawraa | Defender | 26 |
| Yousif Al-Rashidi | Al-Arabi (Qatar) | Midfielder | 24 |
The announcement follows weeks of speculation over player fitness and club clearances. Al-Hamadi’s Brentford manager praised his “relentless work ethic,” while Iqbal’s Manchester United future remains under scrutiny after loan rumors surfaced in July. Minja dismissed concerns, stating, “Zidane has been training with the first team and is fully focused.”
💡 Pro Tip: Watch the Back Three
Iraq’s defensive trio—captain Ali Faez, Omar Hattab, and Ahmed Al-Beshi—has conceded just twice in five pre-season friendlies. Their ability to hold high lines under pressure could decide tight qualifiers.
Fan reactions have been electric, with social media trending under #Iraq2026 in Baghdad, Basra, and London. Tickets for the first qualifier against Saudi Arabia on September 5 sold out in under 90 minutes, reflecting rising optimism. “This squad feels different,” said 28-year-old Basra resident Karim Fadhil. “We believe in them.”
- 📊 3-5-2 Formation — Minja’s preferred setup to maximize Al-Hamadi and Iqbal’s link-up
- 🔍 Set-Piece Threat — Iraq scored 40% of goals from dead balls in 2023 AFC Asian Cup
- ⚠️ Travel Fatigue — European-based players face a 10-hour flight to Basra for qualifiers
The squad will reconvene in Erbil on August 25 for final preparations. Minja has warned that “every match is a final,” urging fans to temper expectations while acknowledging the squad’s potential to rewrite football history for Iraq.