2026 World Cup: Iraq ends 40-year wait and punches its ticket

World Cup 2026 01 April 2026 at 02:12

Nouya M'toama

News Editor

History is being written for the Iraqi national team. Forty years after their last appearance, Iraq has qualified for the 2026 World Cup by defeating Bolivia 2-1 in the intercontinental playoffs held in Monterrey, Mexico.

The Lions of Mesopotamia will indeed be present at the 2026 World Cup. They secured their spot by overcoming Bolivia 2-1 in the intercontinental playoff final on the morning of Wednesday, April 1. Iraq struck early, with Ali Al Hamadi opening the scoring in the 10th minute. Bolivia responded before halftime, leveling through Moises Paniagua in the 38th minute. After the break, Iraq regained control, and it was Aymen Hussein who delivered the decisive goal in the 53rd minute, sealing a historic victory.

After a grueling 28-month qualification campaign spanning 21 matches, marked by moments of doubt and resilience, Iraq has finally booked its return to the global stage for the first time since 1986.

At the final whistle, scenes of jubilation erupted throughout the stadium as an entire nation celebrated this achievement. Iraq now joins Group I, where they will face France, Norway, and Senegal in the tournament scheduled from June 11 to July 19, 2026.