Iraq to Face Venezuela in Final World Cup Preparation Match

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's national football team will play Venezuela in their last friendly before the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday at 04:00 Baghdad time at their training camp in Chicago, United States. Coached by Australian Graham Arnold, Iraq will compete in Group F of the World Cup alongside France, Norway and Senegal. The match will give the technical staff an opportunity to assess players' form, test tactical plans and finalize the starting lineup for the tournament. Arnold thanked fans who supported the team during the play-off match against Bolivia and called on the Iraqi community in the United States to continue backing the squad in World Cup matches. Iraq will begin their World Cup campaign on June 17 against Norway, face France on June 23 and complete the group stage against Senegal on June 26. The 2026 World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 and will feature a record 48 teams across the United States, Canada and Mexico.