Iraq Qualifies for World Cup for First Time in 40 Years After 2-1 Victory Over Bolivia
T.E (Elbotola)
01 April 2026at09:12
The Iraqi national team has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals after defeating Bolivia 2-1 in a playoff match held early Wednesday morning.
The match saw the participation of two players from Wydad AC, Ramiro Vaca and Moisés Paniagua.
Ali Al-Hamadi opened the scoring for Iraq in the 10th minute, before Moisés Paniagua equalized for Bolivia in the 38th minute.
In the second half, the "Lions of Mesopotamia" secured their second goal through Aymen Hussein in the 53rd minute, achieving qualification for the World Cup for the first time in 40 years.
The Iraqi national team will compete in Group 9 of the World Cup, alongside France, Senegal, and Norway.
Q&A
What significant achievement did the Iraqi national team accomplish?
The Iraqi national team secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals by defeating Bolivia 2-1 in a playoff match. This historic victory marks their first World Cup appearance in four decades, sparking widespread celebration.
How did Iraq secure their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Iraq secured their qualification by achieving a 2-1 victory over Bolivia in a crucial playoff match. Their goals came in the 10th and 53rd minutes, with Bolivia equalizing once. This win ended a long 40-year wait for the "Lions of Mesopotamia."
Which teams will Iraq face in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Iraq will compete in Group 9 of the upcoming World Cup tournament. They are set to face formidable opponents, including France, Senegal, and Norway. This presents a significant challenge for the "Lions of Mesopotamia" in their return to the global stage.
