Iraq qualifies for the 2026 World Cup after play-off win over Bolivia
Iraq has qualified for the 2026 World Cup for the first time since 1986, ending a 40-year wait. The Lions of Mesopotamia secured the 48th and final spot through an intercontinental play-off victory over Bolivia.
The campaign took 21 qualifying matches over more than two years. Iraq’s key breakthrough came with a win over the UAE in the AFC fifth round, which propelled them into the final play-off against Bolivia. The decisive match was reportedly played around March 31, 2026. The final reward is a place in Group I alongside France, Norway and Senegal.
Iraq is coached by Graham Arnold and the squad includes forward Aymen Hussein, midfielder Amir Al Ammari, creative force Ali Jasim and captain Jalal Hassan. Iraq’s opening match at the 2026 World Cup is scheduled for June 16, 2026, against Norway in Boston.
With the expanded 48-team format, the group stage will send more sides into the knockout rounds, giving Iraq a narrow but plausible route forward as the underdog in every Group I match.
Neutral
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