Iraq returns to the World Cup after four decades and hopes to complete its last-minute preparations for the 2026 edition with a warm-up match against Venezuela in Illinois, US.
The Lions of Mesopotamia defeated Bolivia in the intercontinental play-offs to qualify for the World Cup and were in great form under head coach Graham Arnold, having guided Australia to the round of 16 at Qatar 2022.
At the World Cup, Iraq are grouped in Group I, alongside France, Senegal and Norway – a group that includes elite strikers such as Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Sadio Mane. With the odds stacked against them, the Iraqis will look to pick up momentum quickly, with Aymen Hussein leading the charge.
When and where will the 2026 FIFA World Cup warm-up match between Iraq and Venezuela be played?
The warm-up match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Iraq vs. Venezuela, will be played at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, USA. The competition starts on June 9 at 8:00 PM local time.
How to watch the Iraq-Venezuela FIFA World Cup 2026 warm-up match?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup warm-up match, Iraq versus Venezuela, will be available on Al Rabiaa Sport TV and Almanasa in Iraq.
In Venezuela you can follow the competition on Venevisión, SimpleTV and Televen.
Published on June 10, 2026
