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Iraq Ends 40-Year World Cup Drought, Beats Bolivia for Final 2026 Spot

Iraq has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1986 with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Bolivia. The match saw Iraq take an early lead, concede an equalizer, and then score a second-half winner to secure the final tournament berth. Head coach Graham Arnold credited his team's Iraqi mentality and fighting spirit for the historic win. Iraq will now face a formidable Group I challenge against France, Senegal, and Norway.

Key Points: Iraq Qualifies for FIFA World Cup 2026 After 40 Years

  • Ends 40-year World Cup absence
  • 2-1 win over Bolivia in qualifier
  • Placed in tough Group I with France
  • Coach praises team's fighting mentality
2 min read

Iraq ends 40-year drought, beat Bolivia to claim final FIFA WC 2026 berth

Iraq defeats Bolivia 2-1 to secure the final spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending a four-decade absence from the tournament.

"I've got to give so much thanks to the players... they showed the real Iraqi mentality of fighting - Graham Arnold"

Monterrey, March 1

In a historic achievement, Iraq have ended the 40-year-old wait to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a thrilling 2-1 win against Bolivia in the final match of the qualifiers played at the Monterrey Stadium on Wednesday.

Iraq last played the multi-national tournament in 1986, which was also co-hosted by Mexico, but the team could not perform well as they exited from the group stage. And now, after 40 years, they will return to the same place and compete with 47 teams to get their first FIFA World Cup trophy.

Iraq took the early lead in the match when Luton Town striker Amir Al Ammari picked out Al Hamadi from a corner, who nodded his header past the goalkeeper.

However, Bolivia didn't back down to the pressure as they made a strong comeback in the 38th minute with Moises Paniagua equalizing with a powerful effort from 12 yards following Ramiro Vaca's defense-splitting pass.

Iraq's Hussein restored his side's advantage in the 53rd minute, timing his run to perfection to meet Marko Farji's cross with a low first-time volley from eight yards.

Bolivia, bidding for its first finals berth since 1994, pushed for a late goal in a tense finish, but Iraq defended resolutely to secure the last of the 48 World Cup spots.

"I've got to give so much thanks to the players. 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," Iraq head coach Graham Arnold said after the match.

The 62-year-old, who was Australia's head coach at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, praised his team's South American rivals.

"It was a very tough match. Full credit to Bolivia, they played well. Just through the great defending from our players, we defended the crosses really well. That's why we won the game," he added.

After losing the match, Bolivia head coach, Oscar Villegas, said, "It's tough. We wanted to be at this World Cup. We worked hard for it. I'm proud of the players, of their courage, and of the way they fought right to the end. I'm really sorry for our country and for the hopes of the people."

Iraq has been placed in a tough Group I in the World Cup, where they will face 2022 World Cup runner-ups France, along with Senegal and Norway, in the group stage.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Heartbreaking for Bolivia, you can feel their coach's pain. But full marks to Iraq for holding their nerve. Their defense in the final minutes must have been something else. Hope they put up a good fight against France and Senegal.
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Rohit P
As an Indian football fan, I look at this with envy. A 40-year wait and they finally make it. When will our own Blue Tigers have a moment like this? The passion is there, but we need the system. Congrats to Iraq!
S
Sarah B
Graham Arnold is doing a fantastic job. Took Australia to the WC and now Iraq. Shows what good coaching and a fighting mentality can achieve. That Hussein goal sounded like a classic striker's finish. Well done!
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Vikram M
Respect to both teams. But honestly, the article focuses a lot on the emotion. I wish there was more tactical analysis. How did Iraq's midfield shape hold up? What was Bolivia's game plan? The human story is great, but let's talk football too.
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Nikhil C
Group I is a group of death for them! France, Senegal, Norway... tough luck with the draw. But just being there is a victory. They can play without pressure and who knows, might pull off a surprise. The 2026 WC just got more interesting!

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