Iraq Ends 40-Year Wait with Historic FIFA World Cup Qualification

Summary – Iraq secures FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification with a 2–1 victory over Bolivia, marking their first appearance in four decades.,

Article –

On April 25, 2026, Iraq secured their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a thrilling 2–1 victory over Bolivia in Baghdad. This victory ends a 40-year wait, marking Iraq’s first qualification since 1986 for football’s most prestigious tournament.

Match Highlights

The game was intense from the start. Iraq opened the scoring early in the first half, with forward Ali Adnan netting a goal in the 22nd minute. Bolivia fought back in the 53rd minute through midfielder Marcelo Martins, equalizing the score. However, Iraq’s striker Mohanad Ali struck again in the 78th minute, securing the winning goal and igniting celebrations among the approximately 50,000 fans at Al-Shaab Stadium.

Key Numbers

• Final score: Iraq 2, Bolivia 1
• Goal scorers: Ali Adnan (22′), Marcelo Martins (53′), Mohanad Ali (78′)
• Last World Cup qualification for Iraq: 1986
• Attendance: Approx. 50,000 at Al-Shaab Stadium, Baghdad
• Match date: April 25, 2026

Reactions from the Teams

Iraq’s head coach Hassan Ibrahim expressed his joy: “This is a historic moment for Iraqi football and a testament to the hard work of our players and coaching staff. Qualifying after 40 years is a dream come true.”

Team captain Ahmed Yasin commented, “We felt the weight of history, but the players showed great composure. The entire nation deserves to celebrate this achievement.”

Bolivia’s coach Luis Fernando Camacho congratulated Iraq, saying, “It was a tough match. We fought hard but fell short against a well-organized Iraqi side. Congratulations to them.”

Consequences and Next Steps

This victory secured one of the final Asian Football Confederation (AFC) slots for the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Iraq’s qualification enriches the tournament’s diversity and represents a major milestone for football growth in the region.

Bolivia’s hopes of reaching the World Cup have ended, whereas Iraq advances to the group stage draw set for July 2026. The Iraqi team will focus on squad selection and tactical planning in preparation for the tournament.

Upcoming Plans

• Friendly matches against regional rivals scheduled for May and June to build momentum.
• Enhancement of training facilities and youth development initiatives by the Iraqi Football Association.

Fans and followers of Iraqi football are encouraged to stay tuned for more updates and worldwide sports insights from SPACE SPORTS.

About The Author

Bhavya

See author's posts