Iraq secure final spot in 2026 World Cup with Aymen Hussein winner in 2-1 win over Bolivia
Iraq and Bolivia clashed on Tuesday, March 31, at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico, in the FIFA international playoff. With Aymen Hussein scoring the decisive goal, the Asian side claimed the last ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
The game got off to a fast start for Iraq, who broke the deadlock in the 10th minute through a well-delivered corner from Amir Al-Ammari that Ali Al-Hamadi headed home inside the box. Bolivia leveled in the 38th minute, just as they had against Suriname, with Moises Paniagua controlling a shot from Ramiro Vaca and finishing clinically inside the box.
Iraq struck again early in the second half, with substitute Marko Farji making an instant impact just one minute after coming on, delivering the cross that allowed Hussein to restore the lead in the 53rd minute. From that point, La Verde resorted to long-range efforts and constant crosses, but a well-organized Iraqi low block proved too difficult to break down.
With their place secured, Iraq have been slotted into Group I at the 2026 World Cup alongside France, Norway and Senegal. The Lions of Mesopotamia will open their campaign against Erling Haaland’s Norway, before facing Kylian Mbappe’s Les Bleus on Matchday 2 and rounding out the group stage against Sadio Mané’s Lions of Teranga, in what will be only their second World Cup appearance since Mexico 1986.