Iraq became the 48th and final team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, defeating Bolivia 2-1 in an intercontinental playoff in Mexico on Tuesday. The victory secures Iraq's first appearance at the finals in 40 years, with their last being the 1986 tournament in Mexico.
Goals from Ali Al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein sealed the win for Iraq, who will compete in Group I against Norway, France and Senegal. The team's preparations were disrupted by the regional conflict triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran, with most of the squad enduring a gruelling three-day journey from Baghdad to Mexico.
Al-Hamadi opened the scoring in the ninth minute, heading home from a corner by Amir Al-Ammari. Bolivia equalised through Moisés Paniagua in the 38th minute, but Hussein restored Iraq's lead eight minutes into the second half with a first-time finish from Marko Farji's cross. Bolivia pressed for an equaliser but Iraq's defence held firm during nine minutes of stoppage time.
In the other intercontinental playoff, the Democratic Republic of Congo beat Jamaica 1-0 to claim the 47th spot. Axel Tuanzebe scored in extra time, sending DR Congo to their first World Cup since 1974, when they were known as Zaire. They will face Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan in Group K.
