Iraq secured a historic return to the FIFA World Cup after a 2-1 victory over Bolivia.
The Iraq national football team will appear at the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 40 years after a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Bolivia in the inter-confederation play-off final. The win marked one of the most significant moments in Iraq’s football history.
The 48th and final team…
🇮🇶 Iraq have qualified for the #FIFAWorldCup! pic.twitter.com/nDYdJZKyYx
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) April 1, 2026
Iraq started brightly despite the pressure, pushing forward in search of an early breakthrough. Their intent nearly paid off inside nine minutes when Amir Al-Ammari curled a superb free-kick towards goal, only for goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra to tip the effort onto the crossbar.
The breakthrough came moments later. Al-Ammari delivered a dangerous corner that found Ali Al-Hamadi, whose powerful header flew into the net and sparked celebrations among the Iraqi supporters.
Bolivia responded well to going behind and gradually grew into the contest. Their persistence paid off before half-time when Ramiro Vaca’s effort fell kindly for Moises Paniagua, who controlled the ball and fired past Ahmed Basil to level the score.
The match remained finely balanced after the break, with both teams chasing a decisive goal. Iraq captain Aymen Hussein eventually stepped up to restore his side’s advantage.
Substitute Marko Farji made an immediate impact, delivering a precise pass that allowed Hussein to score from close range and record his 33rd international goal. The strike proved crucial in a tense second half.
Bolivia pushed for another equaliser, while Iraq had opportunities to extend their lead, including a late chance that Mohanad Ali fired over the bar. Despite the nerves, Iraq held firm to secure the historic victory.
The result means Iraq qualify for only their second World Cup and their first since 1986. They will now compete in Group I alongside France, Norway and Senegal.
وأخيراً… حلمُ وطنٍ يتحقّق 🇮🇶✨
وهنا تبدأ الرحلة… مجموعة أسود الرافدين في كأس العالم 🔥𝗜𝗥𝗔𝗤 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 𝗖𝗨𝗣 – 𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗣 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗚𝗘 ✔️
𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 🔥#FIFAWorldCup #RoadTo2026 pic.twitter.com/Tth2vZxzS3— Iraq National Team (@IraqNT_EN) April 1, 2026
