The 1985–86 Iraqi National Clubs League (First Division) was the 12th season of the competition since its foundation in 1974. Unlike the previous season, each win was worth two points rather than three. Al-Talaba won their third league title, finishing two points ahead of Al-Rasheed and only losing one match.[1][2]
^As holders, Al-Rasheed automatically qualified for the Arab Club Champions Cup.
^ abcThe relegation play-offs saw two top division places being contested by the bottom six from the top division and the top four from the lower division. Al-Naft were able to retain their place in the top division through the play-offs, beating Al-Nasr 4–2, Erbil 1–0, Al-Amana 4–2 on penalties and Al-Bahri 4–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw, while Al-Bahri earned the other place to secure promotion. Al-Sulaikh, Al-Amana, Wahid Huzairan, Al-Minaa and Al-Tijara were therefore relegated to the Iraqi National Second Division.