First Touch ’26 - Iraq

Iraq is headed back to the World Cup for the first time in 40 years after one of the longest and most dramatic qualification journeys in the world. Valair Shabilla explores how soccer became a source of unity and hope through decades of war, hardship, and political turmoil, from the unforgettable 2007 Asian Cup triumph to the celebrations that followed qualification for 2026. Plus, a look at Iraq’s current squad, the rise of dual-national talent, legendary captain Younis Mahmoud, and what this return to the world stage means for Iraqis around the world.