Monterrey, March 1 – In a historic achievement, Iraq has ended a 40-year wait to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026, defeating Bolivia 2-1 in the final qualifying match played at the Monterrey Stadium on Wednesday.
Iraq last participated in the multi-national tournament in 1986, which was also co-hosted by Mexico, but the team failed to perform well, exiting in the group stage. Now, after 40 years, they will return to the same venue and compete against 47 teams to win their first FIFA World Cup trophy.
Iraq took the lead early in the match when Luton Town striker Amir Al Ammari passed the ball to Al Hamadi from a corner, who nodded the ball past the goalkeeper.
However, Bolivia didn't back down, equalizing with a powerful shot from 12 yards in the 38th minute, following a pass from Ramiro Vaca.
Hussein restored Iraq's lead in the 53rd minute, perfectly timing his run to meet Marko Farji's cross with a low volley from eight yards.
Bolivia, aiming for its first finals appearance since 1994, pushed for a late goal in a tense finish, but Iraq defended resolutely to secure one of the last 48 World Cup spots.
"I want to thank the players for their hard work. They showed the true Iraqi spirit of fighting and putting their bodies on the line, which is why we won the game," said Iraq head coach Graham Arnold after the match.
The 62-year-old, who was the head coach of Australia 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. Our players 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 will be in a tough Group I in the World Cup, where they will face 2022 World Cup runners-up France, along with Senegal and Norway, in the group stage.
