Iraq Rises in FIFA World Cup 2026 Rankings a Story of Resilience, Revival, and Renewal,
Author : Football World Cup Tickets | Published On : 18 Oct 2025
The Iraqi national football team has risen one spot to 57th in the latest FIFA World Cup 2026 rankings, as announced on October 17, 2025. Though modest, this progress is meaningful for the Lions of Mesopotamia as they gear up for the decisive fifth-round World Cup qualification playoff next month. With 1,428.69 ranking points, Iraq remains seventh in Asia ahead of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the UAE, while Japan, Iran, South Korea, Australia, Qatar, and Uzbekistan hold higher continental positions.
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This rise reflects Iraq’s growing consistency in recent matches. In the AFC World Cup Qualifiers, they earned a 1-0 win over Indonesia and a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia, results that strengthened both their global standing and playoff hopes. The team’s performances highlight a shift toward stability, focus, and belief, qualities that have helped them overcome years of uncertainty.
Under head coach Jesus Casas, Iraq’s approach has centered on defensive organization, swift transitions, and smart use of set pieces. This tactical discipline, paired with a new generation of determined players, has restored Iraq’s competitive edge in Asian football and rekindled optimism among supporters ahead of a crucial phase in their Soccer World Cup journey.
Iraq’s Crucial Playoff Test Lions of Mesopotamia Eye Historic World Cup 2026 Return as UAE Clash Looms Large
Iraq’s rise in the rankings comes at a crucial time. The team’s focus is now on the upcoming two-legged playoff against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in November, which will decide who advances to the Intercontinental Playoff Round for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. With matches set for November 13 and 18, both sides know the stakes are immense. The winner moves closer to the world stage, while the loser’s dream ends abruptly.
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Historically, Iraq has shown remarkable determination in high-pressure moments. Their recent performances, especially away from home, reflect growing composure and belief. The narrow victory over Indonesia showcased disciplined defending and a flash of brilliance from striker Ayman Hussein, whose sharp finishing has become vital for Iraq’s attack.
The goalless draw against Saudi Arabia further underlined the team’s tactical maturity and resilience against one of Asia’s most technically gifted sides. These strong results have boosted confidence within the squad and among supporters, fueling hope that Iraq could finally return to the World Cup 2026 stage for the first time since 1986.
The Iraqi Football Association celebrates the team’s remarkable progress, inconsistent stages of the Soccer World Cup 2026
The IFA has expressed pride in how far the team has progressed since the early stages of qualification, a period marked by inconsistency. Our focus has been on building stability and developing a winning mentality, said an IFA spokesperson. Every point, every match, and every ranking increase reflects the progress we’re making both on and off the field.
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Iraq’s resurgence has been fueled by a blend of experienced veterans and talented young players, many now competing in strong leagues across Asia and Europe. This balance of youth and experience could prove decisive when facing a disciplined UAE side equally determined to reach the World Cup. The winner moves closer to the world stage, while the loser’s dream ends abruptly.
The team’s recent rise also evokes memories of Iraq’s golden era. Their highest-ever FIFA ranking 39th in October 2004, followed a remarkable run to the semifinals of the Athens Olympics. That same generation went on to capture the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, a triumph that still inspires today’s players to emulate their resilience and unity.
Iraq Stands on the Brink of Football World Cup History as November’s Playoff Against the United Arab Emirates Approaches,
Iraq’s November playoff matches could define the nation’s footballing identity for years. A win over the UAE would send them to the FIFA2026 Intercontinental Playoff in March 2026, where six nations will fight for two World Cup spots. The four lowest-ranked teams will play semi-finals, while the top two, possibly Iraq, advance directly to the finals for a chance to qualify.
With the FIFA 2026 tournament expanding to 48 teams, many Asian countries see this as their best shot in decades. For Iraq, the dream of returning to football’s biggest stage remains alive. Their recent form and higher FIFA ranking reflect a growing confidence that they can challenge Asia’s best as the nation watches with hope.
Iraq’s rise in the FIFA World Cup rankings symbolizes more than numbers it marks revival and belief. The upcoming playoff against the UAE could usher in a new era, potentially leading to their first World Cup in nearly 40 years. For millions of Iraqi fans, that long-awaited dream now feels closer than ever.
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Q: What does Iraq’s rise in FIFA rankings mean for the team?
A: The one-place rise to 57th shows steady progress and boosts confidence ahead of the crucial playoffs. It also reflects Iraq’s improved performances against higher-ranked teams.
Q: Who are Iraq’s biggest rivals in Asia right now?
A: Iraq remains behind regional heavyweights Japan, Iran, South Korea, Australia, Qatar, and Uzbekistan but continues to outperform traditional Gulf rivals such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the UAE.
Q: When will Iraq’s next key matches be played?
A: Iraq will face the United Arab Emirates on November 13 and 18, 2025, in a two-legged playoff that will decide their path to the Intercontinental Playoffs in March 2026.
Q: What is Iraq’s best-ever FIFA ranking?
A: Iraq achieved their highest-ever ranking of 39th in October 2004, following a historic run at the Athens Olympics.
Q: How close is Iraq to reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
A: They are two stages away first, they must beat the UAE in November, and then win their matches in the Intercontinental Playoff in March 2026.
