Midfielder Amir Al-Ammari is experiencing the most special moment of his career. At 28 years old, the player from Cracovia, Poland, is preparing to represent Iraq at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after 40 years of absence from the tournament. The classification came at the end of a long and obstacle-filled campaign, which lasted more than two years and 21 games.
Al-Ammari gave an exclusive interview to FIFA and spoke about the emotion of fulfilling a childhood dream. “It means everything. I worked hard for many years to achieve this. As a child, I dreamed of watching television, and now I’m here,” said the midfielder.
Iraq’s qualifying journey was the longest among the 48 teams that will compete in the World Cup in North America. The team faced ups and downs, but always found the strength to react. One of the most dramatic moments occurred against the United Arab Emirates, when Al-Ammari converted a penalty in the 17th minute of added time, securing a place in the intercontinental playoffs.
Team grows stronger through adversity
The midfielder highlighted how the difficulties brought the group together. The team started the group stage well in 2023, undefeated, but suffered tough defeats, such as against Palestine. “The Iraqi people are supportive and we always find a way to come back,” he said.
With the arrival of the new technical committee, the objective became clear: to qualify by any means possible. Al-Ammari describes the cast as a family. “I am very proud of what we have achieved as a team, as a group and as brothers,” he added.
Iraq returns to the World Cup for the second time in history. Their first participation was in 1986, in Mexico, where they played three games in the group stage without winning. Four decades later, the expectation is different. The team is part of Group I, alongside France, Senegal and Norway, one of the most balanced and difficult brackets of the tournament.
World Cup debut calendar
Iraq opens its campaign against Norway, in Boston, on June 16. Then they face France, the 2022 runner-up, in Philadelphia, on the 22nd. They close the group stage against Senegal, in Toronto, on the 26th.
Al-Ammari recognizes the quality of his opponents, but shows no fear. “At the end of the day, they are also human beings and it is 11 against 11,” he said. The midfielder has already faced stars in Asian competitions and believes that the level rises when playing against the best.
Proud to represent a nation
Representing Iraq carries great responsibility. The player feels the pressure of millions of fans, both inside and outside the country. “You don’t just play for yourself. You play for your teammates, the coaching staff and every Iraqi,” he explained. Seeing the joy of the people after victories is worth more than any result.
What does Iraq want to show the world? According to Al-Ammari, the mentality of overcoming. “We will show our determination and how Iraq always comes back, not only on the field, but in everything the country has gone through off it.” The midfielder wants to highlight the heart and strength of each Iraqi player.
What to expect from the World Cup debut
The excitement is total. Al-Ammari can’t wait to organize the event and face off against the biggest stars on the planet, like Kylian Mbappé. He cited the experience at the Asian Cup in Qatar as an appetizer, but believes that the World Cup will be on another scale.
The plan is simple: game by game. With up to three places per group for the round of 16, Iraq dreams of surprising. “We must enter with a match-by-match mentality, without focusing on the size of the event. It’s a 90-minute game”, pondered the midfielder.
Iraq’s return to the World Cup represents more than a sporting feat. For a country that has faced decades of challenges, football becomes a symbol of resilience and hope. Al-Ammari and his companions carry this flag to the fields of North America.