Team Overview
Iraq return to the World Cup after a 40-year absence, qualifying through the AFC route in one of Asian football's most dramatic qualification stories. Their last appearance was Mexico 1986, making 2026 a historic moment for Iraqi football.
Coached by Spain's Jesús Casas, Iraq play a disciplined, compact defensive system that frustrated opponents throughout Asian qualifying. They conceded just 8 goals in their final qualifying round — a defensive record that belies their attacking limitations.
In Group I alongside FIFA #1 France, Norway with Haaland, and Senegal, Iraq face the tournament's most daunting group. Their goal is to be competitive and avoid heavy defeats — every point would be a remarkable achievement.
Key Players
Aymen Hussein
Forward
Al-Zawraa (Iraq)
Amjad Attwan
Midfielder
Al-Shorta (Iraq)
Jalal Hassan
Goalkeeper
Al-Zawraa (Iraq)
Tipping Culture Back Home
In Iraq, tipping is not a standard practice. Service is included in restaurant pricing, and leaving extra is appreciated but never expected.
- Tipping in Iraq is a gesture of appreciation, not an obligation — 5–10% at nicer restaurants is generous.
- When watching Iraq play in the US, tip 18–20% at American venues as standard.
Tipping at the World Cup
Iraqi fans come from a culture where tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. At US World Cup venues in Dallas, Seattle, and San Francisco, tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is a social and economic necessity — not just a courtesy.
- Restaurants: 18–20% on every bill. Leave it in the tip line on the receipt — always.
- Bars: $1–2 per drink, for every round ordered.
- Rideshares: 15–20% via the app.
- Hotel housekeeping: $3–5/night, left daily.
- US servers earn as little as $2.13/hour base wage — your tip is genuinely how they pay rent.
Quick rule: When in doubt at any US venue, tip 20% at restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, and 18–20% for taxis/rideshares. You can't go wrong.
World Cup History
- 1986 Mexico — Group Stage (first and only prior appearance; 0W-0D-3L)
Related Teams
Traveling to Watch Iraq?
Gratiq scans your receipt and calculates the perfect tip instantly — in any language. Essential for navigating North American tipping culture.