Iraq have booked their place at the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1986 after beating Bolivia 2-1 in an intercontinental playoff in Mexico.
Goals from Ali Al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein secured qualification and completed a remarkable journey for a squad forced to travel for three days overland and by air after the Middle East conflict disrupted preparations.
Coached by Graham Arnold, Iraq will now face France, Senegal and Norway in Group I.
Iraq started brightly and struck after nine minutes when Al-Hamadi headed home from a corner to cap a dominant opening spell. Bolivia grew into the game and equalised before half-time when Moises Paniagua fired into the roof of the net after Ramiro Vaca’s shot was controlled inside the box.
Iraq fans celebrate after qualifying for the 2026 World Cup
The decisive moment came eight minutes into the second half. Substitute Marko Lawk-Farji crossed for captain Hussein, who clipped a first-time finish into the bottom corner. Iraq’s defence held firm through nine minutes of stoppage time to spark emotional scenes at full-time.
Celebrations erupted across Baghdad as fireworks lit the sky and supporters poured onto the streets.
“This victory is incredibly precious to us, despite the war raging,” Ahmed, 22, told AFP.
“The Iraqi people are united across all sects,” he said, adding that the win reminded Iraqis of their triumph at the AFC Asian Cup 2007 during a period of sectarian violence.
Waving flags and standing on cars, thousands gathered in the Karrada district as tea sellers shouted “tea for free! Tea for free!” in celebration.
“Despite the dire economic situation and the war, our national team won,” Ali al-Muhandis said.
“We in Iraq excel in exceptional circumstances. We are living through a war that has nothing to do with us, because it’s between Iran, America and Israel.”
NOP NIGERIA reports that 48 countries have now booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
