Fans are eager to secure their seats to witness Iraq compete at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America. It’s the first time since 1986 that the Iraqi national team has qualified. The squad features veterans and young talents such as Zidane Iqbal and Ali Al-Hamadi, meaning demand for tickets is high.
The tournament will be hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico. This year, the format includes 48 teams, creating more matches. This gives the Iraqi diaspora more opportunities to support their team.
When and Where to Watch Iraq
The FIFA World Cup 2026 officially kicks off on June 11, 2026, and concludes with the final on July 19, 2026. The group stages begin in mid-June. 104 matches will be played over 39 days, making this the longest and most expensive World Cup ever.
The tournament is spread across three nations and 16 host cities. Iraq has been drawn into Group I, and fans should expect to travel between the United States and Canada.
Iraq’s Team and Potential
Iraq has become one of the most disciplined and dangerous teams in Asia. Zidane Iqbal anchors the midfield, while Aymen Hussein and Ali Jasim offer a threat on the counter-attack.
The Lions of Mesopotamia thrive when the odds are against them. A massive support base is expected to travel from all corners of North America. Their matches, particularly the showdown against France in Philadelphia, will likely feel like home games. This team has the potential to be the dark horse of the tournament, much like Morocco in 2022.
How to Secure Your Tickets
Securing tickets requires early planning. There are three main ways to get tickets:
- Official FIFA portal
- Secondary markets
- Hospitality packages
As of April 1, 2026, the final official sales phase is live. These tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. This is the most official way to get tickets at face value, but they often sell out within minutes of being released. Fans must have a registered FIFA ID to purchase through the official portal.
If you missed the random draws or the initial first-come, first-served windows, secondary marke