Iraq qualifies for 2026 World Cup, ending 40-year absence

NEWSROOM — Iraq defeated Bolivia 2-1 in the intercontinental playoff final Wednesday to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending a 40-year absence from the tournament.

Ali al-Hamadi gave Iraq the lead before Moises Paniagua equalized for Bolivia. Aymen Hussein restored Iraq’s advantage and the team held on to seal one of the last remaining places in the expanded 48-team tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Iraq will face France, Senegal and Norway in Group I. It is only the second World Cup appearance in the country’s history, following its sole previous participation at Mexico 1986.