Iraq has confirmed its 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with Ipswich forward Ali Al-Hamadi and Manchester United academy graduate Zidane Iqbal both included. Coach Graham Arnold surprisingly left out Dundee United defender Dario Naamo despite his recent international switch from Finland. Ahmed Qasem, who also changed allegiance from Sweden, earned his first cap in Friday's 1-0 friendly win over Andorra.

Al-Hamadi's selection caps a remarkable journey. His family fled Iraq when he was a baby, settling in Liverpool where he began his professional career. The 24-year-old became Iraq's first Premier League player with Ipswich in 2024 and scored crucial goals during qualification. Iqbal, 23, progressed through United's youth ranks and made one Champions League appearance before joining Utrecht in 2023.

Captain Jalal Hassan leads the squad with 100 caps, while Arnold has named three goalkeepers including Kamil Saadi as injury cover. Iraq secured their first World Cup berth in four decades after beating Bolivia 2-1 in the play-offs. They face Norway, France and Senegal in Group I across matches in Boston, Philadelphia and Toronto.

The squad combines diaspora talent with domestic players, reflecting Iraq's modern football evolution. Al-Hamadi's Premier League breakthrough and Hussein's scoring secured qualification, giving this generation genuine hope of making an impact in North America.