Iraq beats Bolivia to claim 48th and final place at World Cup

MONTERREY, Mexico (AP) — Iraq became the 48th and final team to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup with a 2-1 win over Bolivia in an intercontinental playoff Tuesday, overcoming last-minute logistical problems and ending a wait of four decades.

Ali Almahadi opened the scoring in the 18th minute, Moises Paniagua tied it for Bolivia in the 38th and Aymen Hussein scored the clincher in the 53rd minute for Iraq. The Iraq team will join Group I along with France, Norway and Senegal.

Iraq, coached by Australian Graham Arnold, will return to the global tournament for the first time since Mexico 1986. The Iraqi campaign kicks off Tuesday, June 16 against Norway at Foxborough, followed by games against France on June 22 at Philadelphia and Senegal at Toronto on June 26.

Bolivia, which reached the final playoff with a win over Suriname, was aiming to qualify for its second World Cup.