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90 Minutes Separate Iraq from a Second World Cup Appearance

Despite the major challenges they have faced due to the ongoing war in the Middle East, the Iraq national team remains determined to achieve a historic milestone by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as they take on Bolivia in the early hours of Wednesday (6:00 AM Baghdad time) in Mexico, in the intercontinental play-off for a place at the tournament.

The Lions of Mesopotamia are aiming to write a new chapter in Iraqi football history by reaching the global showpiece for the second time, following their only appearance in 1986.

For their part, Bolivia head into the match with strong ambitions of returning to the World Cup finals after an absence of more than three decades, as they seek to secure their fourth participation in history. This sets the stage for a decisive showdown between two sides chasing a long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage.

The Iraqi national team has recently endured exceptional circumstances that have directly impacted their preparations for this crucial fixture. The war led to the cancellation of a planned training camp in Houston, USA, while the delegation also faced significant difficulties in completing visa procedures, preventing several members from travelling on schedule. This match will mark Iraq’s 21st game in a long and demanding qualification campaign filled with fluctuations and challenges.

The team was forced to undertake a difficult overland journey to Jordan before eventually travelling to Monterrey, Mexico, last week, after FIFA arranged a special flight to transport the delegation amid widespread airspace closures across much of the region due to the ongoing military escalation since late February. This intervention proved vital in ensuring the team’s timely arrival and allowing preparations to continue despite the complex circumstances.

The match carries huge significance, as the winner will secure a place at the World Cup finals, which kick off on 11 June, joining Group Nine alongside strong sides including France, Senegal, and Norway.

Historically, the two teams have met only once, in a friendly played in Dubai in 2018 that ended in a goalless draw. Iraq have yet to record a victory against South American opposition in eight previous encounters, managing two draws and six defeats. Their only competitive meeting with a team from that continent dates back to the 1986 World Cup, when they lost 1-0 to Paraguay in the group stage.

Iraq reached this stage after overcoming the United Arab Emirates in the Asian play-off, following a 1-1 draw in the first leg before securing a 2-1 win after extra time in Basra. Meanwhile, Bolivia advanced to this play-off after defeating Suriname 2-1, coming from behind in a match also held in Monterrey.

Should Iraq succeed in qualifying, the number of Arab teams participating in the finals would rise to eight, alongside Qatar, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, and Jordan—highlighting the strong Arab presence in the expanded tournament, which will feature 48 teams for the first time in history.

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