World Cup: Iraq launch probe, plan overhaul after winless return

By Adegboyega Adeleye

Iraq have begun a review of their disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign after crashing out of the tournament without a point, with the country’s Olympic Committee promising a major overhaul of the national team and domestic football structure.

The Lions of Mesopotamia returned to the World Cup finals for the first time in 40 years but endured a difficult campaign, losing all three Group I matches against former champions France, Norway and Senegal, while conceding 12 goals.

According to Reuters, the poor showing has prompted the Iraqi Olympic Committee to announce an investigation into the causes of the team’s failure, alongside plans to develop a long-term strategy aimed at preventing a repeat in future tournaments.

Committee president Aqeel Muftin said officials would meet with the Iraqi Football Association after the team’s return to examine what went wrong.

“We will hold a meeting with Football Association officials to examine the reasons behind the team’s decline in results at the World Cup and to develop a strategy for its improvement,” Muftin told the Iraqi News Agency, as quoted by Reuters.

He admitted the disappointing campaign had left the nation frustrated.

“Everyone is saddened” by the outcome, he said.

Muftin explained that discussions would focus on producing a comprehensive roadmap covering the short, medium and long term, with specialised committees expected to identify weaknesses in the domestic league and national teams before recommending solutions.

“This requires the combined efforts of everyone,” he added.

He stressed that rebuilding Iraqi football was a collective responsibility rather than the task of one institution alone.

“The national team does not belong to the Olympic Committee, the federation or the government — it belongs to the nation, and everyone is responsible for supporting it and ensuring its success,” Muftin said.

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