In a moment where pride meets history, the Iraq national football team secured its place in the finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a dramatic playoff victory that marked a long-awaited return to the global stage.
The achievement drew widespread praise from Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, president of the Asian Football Confederation, who emphasized that Iraq’s qualification reflects its strong standing in Asian football and the result of coordinated efforts between players, technical staff, and administration.
On the Iraqi side, Football Association president Adnan Dirjal described the win as an “epic” that will remain unforgettable, highlighting the immense challenges faced throughout a demanding qualification campaign that spanned numerous matches before securing the final ticket.
The decisive match in Monterrey marked a defining chapter in Iraqi football history, as the team earned a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Bolivia, showcasing determination and composure to claim the final qualification spot as the 48th team in the tournament.
Ali Al-Hamadi opened the scoring early, before Bolivia equalized, but Ayman Hussein delivered the winning goal in the second half, sealing a historic triumph for his nation.
Iraq now prepares to compete in a tough group alongside France, Senegal, and Norway, presenting a major test of the team’s ambitions and a chance to deliver a performance that reflects the progress of Iraqi football on the world stage.
This return recalls Iraq’s only previous World Cup appearance in 1986 in Mexico, setting the stage for a new chapter driven by determination and the pursuit of a stronger presence in the upcoming global tournament.
