Iraq ends 40-year drought, beat Bolivia to claim final FIFA WC 2026 berth

Monterrey: In a historic achievement, Iraq have ended the 40-year-old wait to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a thrilling 2-1 win against Bolivia in the final match of the qualifiers played at the Monterrey Stadium on Wednesday.

Iraq last played the multi-national tournament in 1986, which was also co-hosted by Mexico, but the team could not perform well as they exited from the group stage. And now, after 40 years, they will return to the same place and compete with 47 teams to get their first FIFA World Cup trophy.

Iraq took the early lead in the match when Luton Town striker Amir Al Ammari picked out Al Hamadi from a corner, who nodded his header past the goalkeeper.

However, Bolivia didn’t back down to the pressure as they made a strong comeback in the 38th minute with Moises Paniagua equalizing with a powerful effort from 12 yards following Ramiro Vaca’s defense-splitting pass.

Iraq’s Hussein restored his side’s advantage in the 53rd minute, timing his run to perfection to meet Marko Farji’s cross with a low first-time volley from eight yards.

Bolivia, bidding for its first finals berth since 1994, pushed for a late goal in a tense finish, but Iraq defended resolutely to secure the last of the 48 World Cup spots.

“I’ve got to give so much thanks to the players. Their work ethic, they showed the real Iraqi mentality of fighting and putting their bodies on the line, that’s why we won the game,” Iraq head coach Graham Arnold said after the match.

The 62-year-old, who was Australia’s head coach 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. Just through the great defending from our players, we 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 has been placed in a tough Group I in the World Cup, where they will face 2022 World Cup runner-ups France, along with Senegal and Norway, in the group stage.

IANS