Iraq Secures Final Spot in Boston's 2026 World Cup Lineup

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After winning its World Cup qualifier game against Bolivia on March 31, Iraq has earned its ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, filling the last remaining spot for the games taking place at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, which will be referred to as Boston Stadium for the tournament.

Why it matters

Iraq's return to the World Cup after a 40-year absence adds an intriguing storyline to the global tournament being hosted in part by the Boston metro area. The Middle Eastern nation's qualification ensures a diverse field of teams will compete at the state-of-the-art Boston Stadium venue.

The details

Iraq secured its spot in the 2026 World Cup with a victory over Bolivia in a qualifying match on March 31. This will mark Iraq's first appearance in the global tournament since 1986, ending a four-decade drought for the Middle Eastern nation.

• Iraq defeated Bolivia 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier on March 31, 2026.
• Iraq last appeared in the World Cup in 1986.

What’s next

The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw will take place in the coming months, determining the full match schedule and group pairings for the tournament, including Iraq's first-round opponents at Boston Stadium.