World Cup 2026: Wars, sanctions and punishments

Iraq has qualified for the 2026 World Cup, marking their return to the tournament after 40 years. The team faces a challenging group stage against France, Norway, and Senegal.
Why it matters
The World Cup is a major global cultural event, and Iraq's qualification represents a significant milestone for the nation's sports history.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Iraq qualified for their first World Cup in 40 years with a play-off win in March
The article provides a balanced overview of the team's history, current roster, and the challenges ahead.
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