Iraq names 2026 World Cup squad on Saturday, federation member says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's national football team coach Graham Arnold is set to finalize his 2026 World Cup squad on Saturday, an Iraqi Football Federation member said. Galib al-Zamili said the Australian coach will announce a 16-player preliminary list in the United States, where he has been meeting with his technical staff to review the team's training camps in Spain and Chicago. Al-Zamili said preparations for the tournament have shown positive indicators from the technical team, with the squad aligning around Arnold's stated vision for cohesion and performance ahead of the competition. Iraq will play its first World Cup match on Wednesday, June 17, at midnight local time in Türkiye. The final squad will be drawn from the preliminary group following the conclusion of the U.S. training camp.