MONTERREY (Mexico): Iraq secured the final berth at the upcoming World Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Bolivia in an intercontinental playoff in Mexico, ending a 40-year absence from football’s biggest stage.
Under coach Graham Arnold, Iraq overcame significant disruption caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict to seal qualification. Arnold urged his players to “shock the world” at the finals, where they will face France, Senegal and Norway in Group I.
The team’s preparations were heavily affected by travel complications, with most of the squad enduring a gruelling three-day journey from Baghdad via Jordan to reach Mexico. Despite the challenges, Iraq started strongly and took the lead in the ninth minute when striker Ali Al-Hamadi headed in from a corner.
Bolivia responded before halftime, equalising through Moises Paniagua after a well-worked move that shifted momentum in their favour. However, Iraq regained control early in the second half. Captain Aymen Hussein restored the lead with a composed first-time finish following a precise cross from Marko Lawk-Farji.
Bolivia pushed hard for an equaliser, dominating possession late in the match, but Iraq’s disciplined defence held firm through nine minutes of stoppage time to secure a historic win.
The result marks Iraq’s first World Cup appearance since 1986, also held in Mexico. Arnold praised his players’ resilience and said the achievement could help reshape global perceptions of Iraqi football.
For Bolivia, the defeat was a crushing blow. Coach Oscar Villegas admitted he was “devastated”, as his side fell just short of a long-awaited return to the World Cup.
Iraq now has two months to prepare for the tournament, aiming to defy expectations on the global stage. – AFP
