FIFA World Cup: 5 teams you didn't know qualified once before

#2 Iraq (1986)

Iraq playing Belgium in Mexico 1986

For even a country that's no longer a country but rather a dystopic and completely destroyed piece of land in Western Asia, hold the distinction of having played in the World Cup once before. But back in the 1980s, Iraq enjoyed a golden period in their football history that culminated with a qualification for the Mexican showpiece in '86.

There, they finished at the bottom of their groups after losing all three games to Paraguay, Belgium, and Mexico. The only consolation was the solitary strike they mustered through Ahmed Radhi in the 2-1 defeat to Belgium; the only goal Iraq has ever managed at the World Cups to date.

The already grim state of football in the country was compounded with growing ISIS threat in the country, forcing the team to play all their 'home' games in the Iranian capital of Tehran. But despite all the issues, the Lions of Mesopotamia are ranked 89th currently, the tenth best Asian side.