The Iraq national team has announced an extended squad for its 2026 World Cup preparation camp ahead of a difficult Group I campaign against France, Senegal and Norway.
Iraq released the player list through the team’s press office on X as coach and staff began planning for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The squad includes four goalkeepers, Kumel Al-Rekabe, Fahad Talib, Ahmed Basil and veteran Jalal Hassan. Iraq will assess several options before finalising the squad for the tournament.
The defensive group features Frans Putros, Rebin Sulaka, Mustafa Saadun, Merxas Doski and Dario Naamo among others. Iraq also selected midfielders Zidan Iqbal, Kevin Yakob, Amir Al-Ammari and Ibrahim Bayesh as part of a group that blends experience with younger players.
Iraq’s attacking options include Ali Al-Hamadi, Aymen Husseyn, Mohanad Ali and Ali Jasim. The coaching staff will likely rely on pace and direct attacking play against stronger opponents in Group I.
France enter the tournament as one of the favourites, while Senegal bring physical strength and athleticism. Norway also pose a major threat with a disciplined side and strong attacking quality.
Iraq reached the World Cup after an impressive qualifying campaign and now face the challenge of competing against teams with greater experience at the highest level.
The extended squad gives Iraq flexibility before the tournament starts. The coaching staff now faces key decisions over balance, defensive organisation and midfield control before naming the final list.
Iraq Squad:
Goalkeepers: Kumel Al-Rekabe, Fahad Talib, Ahmed Basil, Jalal Hassan.
Defenders and midfielders: Frans Putros, Maytam Jabbar, Zaid Tahsin, Akam Hashem, Manaf Yunis, Rebin Sulaka, Mustafa Saadun, Ahmed Yahyo, Dario Naamo, Ahmed Maknzi, Merxas Doski, Husseyn Ali, Zaid Ismael, Peter Gvargis, Yussef Amin, Zidan Iqbal, Kevin Yakob, Amir Al-Ammari, Marko Fardji, Ibrahim Bayesh, Ahmed Kasem, Yussef Nasrave, Hasan Abdulkarim, Aymar Sher.
Forwards: Mohanad Ali, Ali Yusuf, Aymen Husseyn, Ali Al-Hamadi, Ali Jasim, Karar Nabil.
