Iraq to light up FIFA World Cup after 40 years

Iraq has secured a place in the World Cup for the first time in 40 years, defeating Bolivia 2-1 in the play-off final at Mexico’s Guadalupe Stadium on Tuesday (March 31).

The victory marks Iraq’s second appearance in football’s premier tournament since 1986.

The match was fiercely contested from the start. Iraq opened the scoring early when Al-Hamadi headed in Al-Amari’s corner. Bolivia responded in the 38th minute with Moises Paniagua equalising, sending the teams into halftime at 1-1.

In the second half, Iraq regained the lead through Aimen Hussein, who finished expertly from a Marco Farji pass. Despite a late surge from Bolivia, the visitors could not find the equalizer, sealing Iraq’s historic win.

The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations in Iraq, while Bolivia’s players, including goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra, were left heartbroken.

Iraq now becomes the 48th team to qualify for the World Cup, ending a four-decade wait for the Asian nation.