Iraq clinched the last remaining berth at the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Bolivia in the intercontinental playoff, ending a 40-year absence from football’s biggest stage.
The result confirmed Iraq as the 48th and final team to qualify for the expanded tournament to be staged across Canada, Mexico and the United States.Ali Al-Hamadi handed Iraq an early advantage, heading home in the 10th minute after Bolivia goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra had earlier tipped a curling free-kick onto the crossbar.
Bolivia gradually settled into the contest and found the equaliser before halftime when Moises Paniagua converted from close range following a forward ball from Ramiro Vaca.
The decisive moment arrived in the 53rd minute as substitute Marko Farji delivered a cross that Aymen Hussein steered home, restoring Iraq’s lead. Iraq created further chances, with Mohanad Ali going close late on, while Bolivia pushed forward in search of an equaliser but were unable to break through.
Iraq, the ninth Asian nation to secure qualification, will compete in Group I alongside the France national football team, Norway national football team and Senegal national football team.
The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19 across North America.Seeded directly into the playoff decider, Iraq made the most of their opportunity, while Bolivia had reached the final after defeating Suriname. Despite late pressure and a series of corners from the South American side, Iraq held firm to secure a historic return.
Iraq’s only previous appearance at the World Cup came in Mexico in 1986, where they exited in the group stage. Four decades later, the West Asian side now returns with renewed ambition, completing the qualification marathon and sealing the final place in the 48-team competition.
Source: Al Jazeera, Sportstar
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