Iraq begins preparations for decisive playoff with team one win from World Cup berth

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Football Association on Thursday began outlining preparations for the national team’s final step toward the 2026 World Cup, following a meeting between federation president Adnan Dirjal and the National Teams Department to discuss training plans ahead of the intercontinental playoff.

Dirjal said the federation will prepare “a comprehensive program” to ensure the team enters the decisive match with maximum readiness. He added that only “one match” now separates Iraq from appearing in the World Cup for the second time in its history. “The federation is working hard to achieve the dream that millions have, which is reaching the 2026 World Cup,” he said.

The meeting followed Wednesday’s playoff draw in Zurich, where Iraq was placed in the second path and will face the winner of Bolivia vs. Suriname in March. Matches in this playoff path will be held in the Mexican cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey.

FIFA said six teams will compete for two World Cup spots, with Bolivia, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname categorized as non-seeded teams and set to play in the semifinal round. Iraq and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as the two highest-ranked sides, were given direct entry into the final round of their respective paths. Winners of the two playoff finals will become the 47th and 48th teams to qualify for the 2026 tournament.

Iraq secured its place in the playoff after defeating the United Arab Emirates 2–1 in Basra on Tuesday. The UAE scored first in the 52nd minute through Caio Lucas before Mohanad Ali equalized with a header in the 66th minute. Deep in extra time, Iraq was awarded a penalty for handball, and Amir Al-Ammari converted in the 90+17 minute to seal the victory.