Iraq 2-1 Bolivia, FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Lions Of Mesopotamia Hold Nerve To Qualify

Iraq secured a dramatic 2-1 win over Bolivia in the inter-confederation playoff final to book their place at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Ali Al-Hamadi gave Iraq an early lead in the 10th minute with a header, but Bolivia responded through Moises Paniagua just before halftime to make it 1-1. The decisive moment came in the second half when Aymen Hussein finished clinically in the 53rd minute to restore Iraq’s advantage. Bolivia pushed hard for an equaliser, creating late chances, but Iraq’s defence held firm under pressure. The result seals Iraq’s return to the World Cup for the first time since 1986, while Bolivia’s qualification hopes come to an end.

Updated on: 1 April 2026 11:34 am

Published at: 1 April 2026 11:34 am

Iraq vs Bolivia World Cup playoff final-1

Iraq's players celebrate after the World Cup playoff final soccer match between Iraq and Bolivia in Monterrey, Mexico. | Photo: AP/Fernando Llano

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Iraq vs Bolivia World Cup playoff final-

Iraq's players celebrate after the World Cup playoff final soccer match between Iraq and Bolivia in Monterrey, Mexico. | Photo: AP/Fernando Llano

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Iraq vs Bolivia World Cup playoff final-Iraq coach Graham Arnold

Iraq's coach Graham Arnold, left, celebrates as Bolivia's goalkeeper Carlos Lampe, right, comforts Luis Haquin after the World Cup playoff final soccer match between Iraq and Bolivia in Monterrey, Mexico. | Photo: AP/Fernando Llano

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Iraq vs Bolivia World Cup playoff final-Iraqs Ibraham Bayesh

Iraq's Ibraham Bayesh celebrates with fans after the World Cup playoff final soccer match between Iraq and Bolivia in Monterrey, Mexico. | Photo: AP/Fernando Llano

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Iraq vs Bolivia World Cup playoff final-Iraqs Mohanad Ali

Iraq's Mohanad Ali, center, tries to reach the ball during the World Cup playoff final soccer match between Iraq and Bolivia in Monterrey, Mexico. | Photo: AP/Fernando Llano

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Iraq vs Bolivia World Cup playoff final-Bolivias Lucas Macazaga

Bolivia's Lucas Macazaga, left, and Iraq's Ali Jasim vie for the ball during the World Cup playoff final soccer match between Iraq and Bolivia in Monterrey, Mexico. | Photo: AP/Fernando Llano

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Iraq vs Bolivia World Cup playoff final-Iraqi soccer fans

Iraqi soccer fans cheer to Iraqi team playing against Bolivia in a World Cup 2026 playoff final, at a cafe in central Baghdad, Iraq. | Photo: AP/Hadi Mizban

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Iraq vs Bolivia World Cup playoff final-Iraqs Aymen Hussein

Iraq's Aymen Hussein celebrates scoring his side's 2nd goal during the World Cup playoff final soccer match between Iraq and Bolivia in Monterrey, Mexico. | Photo: AP/Fernando Llano

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Iraq vs Bolivia World Cup playoff final-Bolivias Moises Paniagua

Bolivia's Moises Paniagua (13) is congratulated after scoring his side's first goal during the World Cup playoff final soccer match between Iraq and Bolivia in Monterrey, Mexico. | Photo: AP/Fernando Llano

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Iraq vs Bolivia World Cup playoff final-Iraqs Ali Al-Hamadi

Iraq's Ali Al-Hamadi, right, celebrates scoring his side's opening goal during the World Cup playoff final soccer match between Iraq and Bolivia in Monterrey, Mexico. | Photo: AP/Fernando Llano

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Iraq vs Bolivia World Cup playoff final-replica of the World Cup trophy

An Iraq's fan kisses a replica of the World Cup trophy prior to the World Cup playoff final soccer match between Iraq and Bolivia in Monterrey, Mexico. | Photo: AP/Fernando Llano