Today's Talking Points
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1Iraq are at their second consecutive World Cup, having returned to the tournament in 2022 after a long absence — the qualification run showed real improvement in Iraqi football under difficult circumstances.
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2They're in Group I with France, Senegal and Norway — France are enormous favourites, but Iraq getting a point in this group would represent a significant achievement.
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3Aymen Hussein is their best striker — plays domestically but is prolific in Asian competition and will be looking to make an impression on a global stage for the first time.
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4Iraqi football has flourished in recent years despite political instability — the domestic league is competitive, the fan culture is passionate, and the national team has become a source of genuine unity in the country.
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5The 2026 tournament marks Iraq's growing maturity as a football nation — two consecutive World Cups after years of absence, qualifying through proper competition rather than circumstance.
🍺 Top Thing To Say Down The Pub
Iraq have been to two World Cups in a row now. Given everything that's gone on in that country over the last 20 years, that's actually a remarkable thing.
🚫 Avoid Saying
Going straight to the political stuff — these are footballers and their fans are just happy to be here. Talk about the football.