Iraq, on Wednesday, defeated Bolivia 2–1 in the second final of the intercontinental playoffs in Mexico to seal the last available spot for the FIFA World Cup 2026. This will be Iraq’s first appearance at the finals in 40 years.
The war-torn nation, whose preparations were disrupted due to the ongoing tensions in the region, secured the win following goals from Ali Al Hamadi and Aymen Hussein. Coincidentally, Iraq’s only appearance before the 2026 qualification was in 1986, the last time the tournament was held in Mexico.
The West Asian nation took the lead early on, when Amir Al Ammari picked out Al Hamadi from a corner, who nodded his header past the goalkeeper.
Bolivia did pull themselves back in the 38th minute after Moises Paniagua found himself unmarked in the box, only for him to bend a finish past Ahmed Basil. It was, however, early in the second half when Hussein met Marko Farji’s delivery first time to guide it into the net.
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Following their victory, head coach Graham Arnold was hoisted up on the shoulders of his players and walked around the pitch draped in the Iraqi flag to celebrate their remarkable achievement.
“I’ve got to give so much thanks to the players,” he said, via FIFA+. “Their work ethic, they showed the real Iraqi mentality of fighting and putting their bodies on the line, that’s why we won the game.”
Arnold became the first Australian coach to lead a foreign nation to the FIFA Men’s World Cup.
“Very tough match. Full credit to Bolivia, they played well. Just through the great defending from our playerswe defended the crosses really well. That’s why we won the game,” he added.
Iraq is placed in Group I of the tournament alongside 2018 champions France, disputed AFCON champions Senegal, and Norway. Their first encounter will be against Norway at the Boston Stadium, Foxborough, on 16 June 2026.
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