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Iraq Secures Last Spot in 2026 World Cup, Ending 40-Year Hiatus

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Iraq's national football team has clinched the final spot for the 2026 World Cup by defeating Bolivia 2-1 in the intercontinental playoff held at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico. This victory marks Iraq's return to the World Cup after a 40-year absence, with their last appearance in 1986. Iraq will compete in Group I alongside France, Senegal, and Norway, starting their campaign on June 16 against Norway at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The match against Bolivia saw goals from Ali Al Hamadi and Aymen Hussein, while Bolivia's Moisés Paniagua managed to equalize temporarily before Iraq secured the win.

Key Details: • Iraq's first World Cup match is on June 16, 2026, against Norway. • Group I includes France, Senegal, and Norway. • The playoff match took place at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico.

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