After cruising through the playoff round, Indonesia will begin the second stage of the 2026 World Cup qualifying with an away game against Iraq on Thursday.

For Iraq, this represents the start of their qualifying journey, and like their opponents, they will be looking to finish in the top two of Group F, which would secure them a place in the third round.

Match preview

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Iraq are hoping to qualify for the World Cup for the second time after their previous appearance took place in the 1986 tournament.

The omens may be positive for Iraq, as Mexico were the hosts in 1986 and they are one of three countries that will hold the 2026 edition.

If Iraq are to end their 30-year wait for World Cup appearance, they will have to negotiate at least two rounds of qualifying.

First, Jesus Casas's side need to finish in the top two of a group that contains Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia.

Thursday's contest represents Iraq's first meeting with Indonesia since they claimed a 2-0 victory in Asia Cup qualifying in November 2013.

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Indonesia are competing in the second round after they eased to a 12-0 aggregate victory over Brunei in the first stage of qualifying.

Although they appeared at the 1938 tournament as the Dutch East Indies, they are yet to qualify for the World Cup since proclaiming independence in 1945.

Not only are they looking to reach the World Cup for the first time as an independent nation, but they are also hoping to participate in the Asia Cup for the first time since 2007.

As the lowest-ranked nation in the group, Indonesia will have their work cut out to reach the next stage of World Cup qualifying, but they will head into Thursday's encounter off the back of three consecutive victories.

In fact, they have only lost one of their last six internationals, with their only defeat in that period taking place in June's 2-0 friendly defeat to World champions Argentina.

Team News

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After starting Iraq's two internationals in October, goalkeeper Ahmed Basil could keep Jalal Hasan and Fahad Talib out of the side.

With over 80 caps to his name, the experienced Ali Adnan is expected to feature in central defence alongside Frans Putros.

Aymen Hussein is set to lead the line for the hosts, and the 27-year-old striker will be looking to add to his 16-goal international tally.

As for Indonesia, the majority of their squad play their club football in their domestic league, although they do have players that ply their trade in England, Belgium, Norway, Netherlands, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia.

Nadeo Argawinata is expected to start in goal, and he could be shielded by a back five featuring Asnawi Mangkualam, Sandy Walsh, Rizky Ridho, Elkan Baggott and Shayne Pattynama.

Having scored six goals in 10 international appearances, 26-year-old forward Dimas Drajad represents one of the visitors's main attacking threats.

Iraq possible starting lineup:
Basil; Sadoon, Putros, Adnan, Doski; Al-Ammari, Attwan; Bayesh, Resan, Jasim; Hussein

Indonesia possible starting lineup:
Argawinta; Mangkualam, Walsh, Ridho, Baggott, Pattynama; Sulistyawan, Kambuaya, Irianto, Klok, Ramdani; Drajad

We say: Iraq 2-0 Indonesia

Iraq have won just one of their last 11 World Cup qualifiers, but while that record may be underwhelming, we still think that they will have enough to beat a lowly-ranked Indonesian side.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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