Iraq returns to World Cup after nearly 40 years, drawn with Norway, France and Senegal

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's national football team is preparing to compete at the World Cup for the first time in nearly four decades, ending an absence dating back to 1986. The draw placed Iraq in a group with Norway, France and Senegal. Iraq opened its training camp in Spain, defeating Andorra 1-0 and drawing 1-1 with Spain to build momentum ahead of the tournament. A second camp in the United States followed, where Iraq lost a friendly against Venezuela, with team staff using the match to identify areas needing improvement. Iraq will play its first World Cup match on June 17. The team last appeared at the tournament in 1986, a campaign that included a historic goal scored by Ahmed Radi, who has since died. Iraqian fans and observers are awaiting to see whether the team can produce an upset in a group widely seen as demanding. No further details on the squad or additional friendlies were immediately available.