Iraq qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after beating Bolivia 2-1 in the intercontinental playoff, ending a 40-year absence from the tournament.
Ali Al-Hamadi opened the scoring for Iraq after 10 minutes, before Bolivia equalised through Moisés Paniagua in the 38th minute. Captain Aymen Hussein then scored the winner in the 53rd minute from close range to send the Lions of Mesopotamia through to the World Cup.
Details
Iraq’s qualification followed a long path through the qualifiers. The team finished third in the third round of the Asian qualifiers behind South Korea and Jordan, which sent them into the Asian playoff stage.
In the next phase, Iraq finished second in their group behind Saudi Arabia, then faced the UAE to decide the Asian side advancing to the intercontinental playoff, where they secured the spot.
The draw then placed Iraq in the final intercontinental playoff match against Bolivia, who had reached the game after beating Suriname 2-1. Iraq went on to win and finally book their place at the World Cup.
With this result, Iraq return to the World Cup for the first time since the 1986 edition, and will play in Group I alongside France, Senegal, and Norway.
What’s Next?
Iraq now begin preparations for the World Cup, with attention turning to what they can deliver in one of the tournament’s toughest groups.
