Iraq qualifies for 2026 World Cup, ending 40-year wait
Iraq beat Bolivia 2-1 in playoff to seal second World Cup appearance
Dubai: Iraq has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending a 40-year absence since their only previous appearance in 1986, after defeating Bolivia 2-1 in an intercontinental playoff in Monterrey, Mexico.
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The result secures Iraq’s second-ever place at the World Cup, with the team advancing through the fifth round of the Asian Football Confederation qualifiers before booking their spot with the decisive win on March 31.
Known as the “Lions of Mesopotamia”, Iraq reached the tournament despite logistical travel challenges during their campaign.
They join a group of Arab nations already qualified for the 2026 finals, including Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
The 2026 World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, will be the first to feature an expanded 48-team format.
