The Iraqi Football Association announced today the launch of the national team’s preparation program for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals with a friendly match against Andorra on May 29, as the team conducts a training camp in Spain from May 18 through June 5.
In parallel development, the AFC announced Iraq’s placement in the second tier for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup draw, which will be held in Saudi Arabia for the first time.
Iraq opens World Cup 2026 preparations with friendly in Spain
The Iraqi Football Association declared that “the national team opens its preparation program for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals with a friendly match against Andorra on May 29 as part of its training camp scheduled to take place in Spain.”
The association explained that the training camp will continue through June 5, providing adequate time for comprehensive preparation of the national team at the highest levels.
A second friendly match against the Spanish national team is scheduled for June 4, offering quality competitive preparation against a top European opponent.
Training camp details and friendly match schedule
The preparation plan includes:
Training camp in Spain from May 18 through June 5
Friendly match against Andorra on May 29
Friendly match against Spain on June 4
Intensive training period before World Cup campaign begins
Details finalized with Andorran Football Federation
The Iraqi Football Association announced that its president Adnan Dirjal and Andorran counterpart Felix Alvarez “finalized all details related to the friendly match.”
These arrangements were completed “on the sidelines of their participation in the 76th FIFA Congress held recently in Vancouver, Canada.”
This international coordination reflects the Iraqi Football Association’s commitment to professional and detailed preparation of the national team.
Iraq placed in second tier for AFC Asian Cup 2027
The AFC announced the distribution of 24 qualified teams for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup across four tiers, with each tier containing six teams.
Iraq’s national team was placed in the second tier with a world ranking of 57, reflecting the national team’s standing among Asian football powerhouses.
Saudi Arabia will host the tournament for the first time in its history from December 7, 2026 through February 5, 2027.
Distribution across four tiers
Asian teams were distributed as follows:
Tier One: Saudi Arabia (61), Japan (18), Iran (21), South Korea (25), Australia (27), Uzbekistan (50)
Tier Two: Qatar (55), Iraq (57), Jordan (63), UAE (68), Oman (79), Syria (84)
Tier Three: Bahrain (91), Thailand (93), China (94), Palestine (95), Vietnam (99), Tajikistan (103)
Tier Four: Kyrgyzstan (107), North Korea (118), Indonesia (122), Kuwait (134), Singapore (147), Lebanon or Yemen
Tournament format and group stage structure
Following the draw scheduled for next Saturday, the 24 qualified Asian teams will be distributed into six groups with four teams in each group.
The tournament opening match will feature the host Saudi Arabia, as the hosting nation was placed first in tier one to ensure the opening game.
This format ensures competitive balance while giving the host nation a prominent role in tournament commencement.
Classification and ranking criteria
Team distribution was based on:
Latest FIFA world rankings as of April 1
Global ranking position for each team
Previous tournament performance and historical football records
Path to AFC Asian Cup 2027 and upcoming challenges
Iraq’s placement in the second tier presents a favorable opportunity for strong performances in the Asian championship.
The national team will face significant challenges from strong competitors including Qatar, Jordan, UAE, Oman, and Syria in its group.
The current ranking reflects the capabilities and potential of the Iraqi national team on the Asian football stage.
Competing teams in second tier
Iraq will face in its group:
Qatar (World ranking 55) – 2023 Asian Cup guest participant
Jordan (World ranking 63)
UAE (World ranking 68)
Oman or Syria
Final playoff spot for Lebanon and Yemen
Twenty-three teams have qualified for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup finals, while the final qualifying spot requires determination through a playoff between Lebanon and Yemen.
Lebanon and Yemen will meet on June 4, 2026 to determine the final qualifier for the Asian championship, adding drama and excitement to the Asian football race.
Strategic importance of World Cup and Asian Cup preparations
The World Cup 2026 represents a major target for Iraqi football, with preparations beginning significantly in advance through quality friendly matches and intensive training camps.
The 2027 AFC Asian Cup offers another crucial opportunity for the national team to compete at the highest Asian level and establish itself among continental powerhouses.
Conclusion:
The Iraqi Football Association’s preparation steps reflect significant commitment to developing a competitive national team capable of performing at world and continental tournaments. Spain training camps and friendly matches represent genuine progress toward achieving Iraq’s football objectives and tournament goals.
