Iraq Ends 40-Year World Cup Drought with Dramatic Playoff Win
Iraq qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1986, defeating Bolivia 2-1 in an intercontinental playoff. The team was placed in Group I alongside France, Norway, and Senegal.
Qualification Match Summary
Iraq defeated Bolivia 2-1 in the decisive playoff match held at the Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico.
- Ali Al-Hamadi scored the opening goal for Iraq in the 9th minute (recorded as the 10th or 18th minute in some sources) from a corner kick.
- Moises Paniagua equalized for Bolivia in the 38th minute.
- Aymen Hussein scored the winning goal for Iraq in the 53rd minute (eight minutes into the second half) following a cross from substitute Marko Farji.
Bolivia recorded 16 shots and 16 corners compared to Iraq's seven shots and two corners, highlighting the defensive resilience of the Iraqi side.
Team & Coach Background
Coach Graham Arnold assumed the role of head coach of Iraq in May 2025. Arnold previously coached Australia to the Round of 16 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He is the first Australian to coach a foreign national team at a World Cup and the first to coach at back-to-back World Cups.
Players: The squad features players from European clubs, including Ali Jasim, Zidane Iqbal, and Aimar Sher, alongside experienced players such as Aymen Hussein and goalkeeper Jalal Hassan.
History: Iraq's only previous World Cup appearance was in 1986, also held in Mexico. That team was overseen by Uday Hussein.
Qualification Journey
Iraq played a total of 21 qualification matches. The team topped their group in the second round and competed in 10 fixtures in the third round. After failing to secure an automatic qualifying place, they proceeded through playoff stages to reach the intercontinental playoff against Bolivia. Iraq is the 48th and final team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Logistical Challenges
The team's preparation for the playoff match was affected by severe travel disruptions. Airspace in the Middle East was closed following US-Israeli strikes and Iran's subsequent missile and drone responses. Head coach Graham Arnold was unable to leave the United Arab Emirates due to airspace closures.
The Iraqi squad traveled via a three-day journey from Baghdad, including a chartered flight to Jordan and onward travel to Monterrey. FIFA President Gianni Infantino directed Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom to provide assistance to facilitate the team's travel to Mexico.
Fan & Public Response
Public servants in Iraq were permitted to arrive at work later to watch the decisive match. Following the victory, fans in Baghdad and the Iraqi diaspora celebrated, waving flags and dancing.
"This is a moment of national pride and unity for the Iraqi people."
Tournament Results
Iraq lost its second Group I match 3-0 to France at Philadelphia Stadium. The match was interrupted for nearly two hours at halftime due to heavy rain and thunder. Kylian Mbappe scored for France in the 14th minute.