Trending 
Iraq’s national football team became the 48th country to secure a slot in the 2026 World Cup after securing a 2-1 win over Bolivia in an intercontinental playoff in Mexico on Tuesday.
The teams’ preparations had been disrupted by the ongoing escalations in the Middle East, which have ensued for a month. But Tuesday’s win warmed hearts and brought joy in the Middle Eastern country.
This would mark their first appearance at the finals in 40 years, and they will play in Group I against France, Senegal and Norway.
Coach Graham Arnold challenged his players before the match to secure the slot on the 2026 World Cup stage and make their country proud.
“Delighted for the players, very good boys, very happy for the 46 million Iraqis,” said Graham.
“Hopefully, it will help change perceptions of Iraq and of football in Iraq. Doing something in the World Cup that nobody expects us to do. Let’s shock the world.”
Most of the squad endured a three-day journey from Baghdad, beginning with an overland crossing into Jordan, because of the flight disruptions caused by the United States and Israel’s attacks against Iran and Iran’s reprisal attacks across the Middle East.
AFP reported that there was little sign of weariness during a confident start by Iraq, who took the lead after nine minutes through Luton Town striker Al-Hamadi, the 24-year-old who moved to Liverpool as a toddler following the outbreak of the 2003 Iraq war.
Iraq midfielder Amir Al-Ammari won a corner after a superb free-kick that was saved at full stretch from Bolivia goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra.
Ramiro Vaca’s shot from the edge of the area was controlled with one touch by Moises Paniagua, and the Morocco-based central midfielder swept it into the roof of the net.
The goal stunned Iraq and Bolivia looked likely to grab a second after dominating the remainder of the half.
Iraq regained the lead eight minutes after the break, when a long ball forward was nodded into the path of substitute Marko Lawk-Farji.
Bolivia tried frantically for a goal to force extra-time, but Iraq’s defence held firm during nine minutes of stoppage time.
Coach Arnold, who led Australia to the last 16 of the 2022 Qatar World Cup, said it would be a miracle for the team to “do something at the World Cup”.
Bolivia’s football coach, Oscar Villegas, however, was visibly distraught following the match.
“Devastated, totally devastated because we believed we could be at the World Cup,” he said.
