Iraq ends 40-year World Cup exile as Baghdad erupts in joy

Iraq’s streets came alive with celebrations early Wednesday morning as the Lions of Mesopotamia secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time in four decades, beating Bolivia 2-1 in the intercontinental playoff final in Monterrey, Mexico and in doing so, becoming the 48th and last nation to qualify for the tournament.

Goals from Ali Al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein sent Iraq to their first FIFA World Cup since 1986, with the decisive match played at the Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe. Al-Hamadi headed home the opener in the 10th minute from a well-delivered corner by Amir Al-Ammari, but Bolivia drew level in the 38th minute through Moises Paniagua, who finished clinically after controlling a shot from Ramiro Vaca. The deadlock was broken shortly after half-time when Hussein slotted in Marko Farji’s cross in the 53rd minute to restore Iraq’s advantage. Iraq then held firm under sustained Bolivian pressure to secure a famous victory.

The atmosphere in Baghdad was electric, with fans chanting pro-Iraq songs and football anthems, waving flags and dancing in the streets. Some had the Iraqi flag draped over their shoulders, proudly displaying their patriotism. Scenes of jubilation were also reported from Basra, Mosul, and Erbil.

“Finally, we made it,” Ali Othman, 24, told The National, joining celebrations in the Iraqi capital. “It was a long and tense journey. The Lions of Mesopotamia didn’t disappoint us, thank God.” Another fan, Khalid Mohammed, 36, described it as “a real joy we truly deserve and it comes at the right time.”

The victory carried particular poignancy given the circumstances surrounding the team’s preparation. Iraq’s appearance at the qualifying tournament had been in doubt as players were affected by travel chaos resulting from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Weeks before the playoff final, coach Graham Arnold pleaded with organisers to delay the match to allow the squad to assemble and train. The players and coaching staff arrived in Mexico just a week before the match on a charter flight.

“I must congratulate the players who played with real Iraqi mentality, fighting and putting their bodies on the line and that’s why we won the game,” a delighted Arnold said after the match. “You’ve got to give full credit to Bolivia, because they played well.”

The Australian coach, who described the job as “probably one of the toughest jobs in the world,” had previously noted that Iraq is “a nation of 46 million that are obsessed with football.”

In the 2026 World Cup, Iraq have been placed in Group I alongside France, Norway and Senegal. They will face Norway in their opening game on June 16 in Boston, then 2018 champions France on June 22 in Philadelphia, and finally Senegal on June 26 in Toronto.

Iraq become the ninth AFC nation to qualify for the 48-team tournament, joining Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and one other Asian qualifier. The 2026 World Cup is co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, and is scheduled to kick off this summer.