Iraq drawn with France, Norway and Senegal in 2026 World Cup group

Iraq has been placed in Group 9 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside France, Norway and Senegal, a draw that sets up a demanding path to the knockout stage. With group winners and the eight best third-placed teams advancing, Arab sides are widely seen as having a realistic chance of progressing. Iraq will play its three group matches on 16, 22 and 26 June. Reaching at least four points across those fixtures is viewed as the minimum required to keep its slim hopes of advancing alive. Group opponent Norway features one of the tournament's most prominent attacking lineups, while Senegal reached the round of 16 at the 2022 edition in Qatar. Qatar, the defending champion, has been drawn in Group 2 with host Canada, Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It will target five points from its matches on 13, 18 and 24 June, with a win against Bosnia and Herzegovina considered essential. Morocco faces Brazil, Scotland and Haiti on 13, 19 and 24 June and is aiming for six or seven points, while Tunisia takes on Sweden, Japan and the Netherlands on 14, 20 and 25 June. Egypt will play New Zealand, Belgium and Iran on 21, 23 and 26 June, looking to reach six points with back-to-back wins and a respectable result against Belgium. Saudi Arabia faces Spain, Uruguay and Cape Verde and is targeting at least four points, while Algeria and Jordan, drawn with champion Argentina and Austria in Group 10, will play on 16, 22 and 27 June as they chase a place in the knockout round.