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Iraq Qualifies for FIFA World Cup After Forty Years
Lions of Mesopotamia end four-decade wait with victory over Bolivia, booking place alongside France, Norway, and Senegal in Group I.
- Publish date: since 9 hours Reading time: two min read
Iraq has ended a 40-year wait for an appearance at the FIFA World Cup with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Bolivia in the intercontinental playoff final in Monterrey, Mexico, making them the 48th and final team to qualify for the 2026 tournament.
Goals from Ali al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein sealed Iraq's historic qualification, sending the Lions of Mesopotamia back to the global stage for the first time since 1986. The victory comes after a grueling 28-month qualification campaign spanning 21 matches.
Al-Hamadi gave Iraq the perfect start with a 10th-minute header at Monterrey Stadium, but Bolivia's Moises Paniagua equalized 28 minutes later, setting up a tense second half. The deadlock was broken when Aymen Hussein scored what proved to be the decisive goal, securing Iraq's place in the expanded 48-team tournament.
Iraq's qualification journey was particularly challenging, with players facing travel chaos due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The Iraqi Football Association worked closely with FIFA to arrange logistics, eventually securing a chartered flight for Iraqi-based players to travel to Mexico, while those based abroad made their own arrangements to reach Monterrey.
The Iraqi team, coached by Australian Graham Arnold, now faces a daunting Group I draw alongside reigning champions France, Norway, and Senegal in the 2026 World Cup finals, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Iraq's only previous World Cup appearance was in Mexico in 1986, where they lost all three group games. This qualification marks a significant moment for Iraqi football and provides a source of national pride amid ongoing challenges in the country.
The victory was met with celebrations from Iraqi fans both in Mexico and back home, with the win representing not just a sporting achievement but also a moment of unity and hope for the nation.