Iraq ends 40-year World Cup appearance drought, hopes to 'change perception'

Iraq beat Bolivia in an intercontinental playoff to claim the final spot in the record-breaking 48-team field for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 4:37pm

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Iraq beat Bolivia 2-1 in an intercontinental playoff on Tuesday to claim the final spot in the 48-team field for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending a 40-year drought for the Iraqi national team. Coach Graham Arnold expressed his delight for the players and the country, saying he hopes this will help change the perception of Iraq as well as boost the game of football there.

Why it matters

Iraq's qualification for the World Cup after 40 years is a significant milestone for the country's football program and national pride. The team's return to the global stage provides an opportunity to showcase the talent and resilience of Iraqi players, potentially changing outdated perceptions about the country and generating greater interest in the sport domestically.

The details

Aymen Hussein scored the go-ahead goal in the 53rd minute to give Iraq a 2-1 victory over Bolivia in the intercontinental playoff held in Guadalupe, Mexico. This will be Iraq's first World Cup appearance since 1986. Coach Graham Arnold praised the quality of the Iraqi players and said he took the job because he loves a challenge. Iraq will join Group I, which includes France, Senegal, and Norway.

  • Iraq beat Bolivia 2-1 in the intercontinental playoff on Tuesday, April 1, 2026.
  • Iraq's last World Cup appearance was in 1986.

The players

Graham Arnold

The coach of the Iraqi national team who expressed his delight at the team's qualification and his belief in the quality of the Iraqi players.

Aymen Hussein

The Iraqi player who scored the go-ahead goal in the 53rd minute to give Iraq a 2-1 victory over Bolivia.

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What they’re saying

“If they had qualified for 40 years, then I probably wouldn't have taken the job. That's the type of person I am. I love a challenge. I believed in the actual players because of the quality that they have.”

— Graham Arnold, Iraq coach

“I'm so delighted for the players, because they are really good boys. I'm really, really happy for the 46 million Iraqis and the country of Iraq. Hopefully this will help change the perception of Iraq as well as help the game of football in Iraq.”

— Graham Arnold, Iraq coach

What’s next

Iraq will take on Norway in their World Cup opener at Gillette Stadium (called Boston Stadium for the World Cup) in Foxborough, Massachusetts on June 16 at 6 p.m. EDT.

The takeaway

Iraq's long-awaited return to the World Cup stage after 40 years is a significant moment that could help transform perceptions of the country and bolster the popularity of football domestically. The team's qualification is a testament to the quality and resilience of Iraqi players, and their performance in the tournament will be closely watched as they aim to make an impact on the global stage.