Iraq became the 48th and final team to qualify for the World Cup

Iraq claimed the final ticket to the 2026 World Cup with a hard‑fought 2–1 win over Bolivia in Tuesday’s intercontinental playoff in Mexico, ending a four‑decade absence from the tournament. Despite travel chaos and disrupted preparations caused by conflict in the Middle East, Iraq delivered a composed, resilient performance to join France, Senegal and Norway in Group I.

They struck early when Ali Al‑Hamadi headed in Amir Al‑Ammari’s pinpoint corner after nine minutes, rewarding a bright start. Bolivia grew into the contest and levelled in the 38th minute, Moisés Paniagua smashing into the roof of the net after controlling Ramiro Vaca’s effort.

Iraq regained control shortly after the break. Substitute Marko Lawk‑Farji nodded a long pass into the path of captain Aymen Hussein, who guided a first‑time finish into the bottom corner. Bolivia pressed frantically in stoppage time, but Iraq’s disciplined back line held firm to secure a historic World Cup return.