Aymen Hussein scored a decisive second-half goal as Iraq clinches secured the 48th and final berth for the FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., marking the nation’s return to the tournament after a 40-year absence.
The Iraqis earned their spot by defeating Bolivia 2-1 in the inter-confederation playoff on Tuesday. Ali Al Hamadi gave Iraq an early lead in the 10th minute at Monterrey Stadium, but Bolivia managed to level the score before halftime through Moises Paniagua.
Iraq will be part of Group I at the World Cup, facing France, Norway, and Senegal from June 11 to July 19.
Iraq Clinches Stunning Victory: Full Match Highlights
As the ninth Asian team to qualify, Iraq started the match strongly, with Bolivia goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra tipping Amir Al Ammari’s curling free kick onto the crossbar. From the resulting corner, Luton Town’s Al Hamadi rose above the defense to head Iraq clinches into the lead. Bolivia gradually recovered and earned their equalizer when Ramiro Vaca’s forward pass, initially seeming like a shot, found Paniagua, who converted from close range.
Iraq regained the lead in the 53rd minute when substitute Marko Farji’s cross reached Hussein, who outpaced his marker to score. Mohanad Ali had a chance to seal the win late on but missed, while Bolivia pressured Iraq with multiple corners, attempting to force extra time. However, Iraq held on, finishing the match stronger and fresher Iraq clinches…Read more
Iraq advanced directly to the playoff decider, while Bolivia had to first overcome Suriname last Thursday. Iraq’s only prior World Cup appearance was in 1986 in Mexico, where they lost all three group matches.
