"Iraq became the 48th and final team to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup with a 2-1 win over Bolivia in an intercontinental playoff."
"Ali Almahadi opened the scoring in the 18th minute, Moises Paniagua tied it for Bolivia in the 38th and Aymen Hussein scored the clincher in the 53rd minute for Iraq."
"The Iraqi campaign kicks off Tuesday, June 16 against Norway at Foxborough, followed by games against France on June 22 at Philadelphia and Senegal at Toronto on June 26."
"Iraq will return to the global tournament for the first time since Mexico 1986."
Iraq qualified for the 2026 World Cup by defeating Bolivia 2-1 in an intercontinental playoff. Ali Almahadi scored first for Iraq, followed by a goal from Moises Paniagua for Bolivia. Aymen Hussein secured the win for Iraq in the second half. This marks Iraq's return to the World Cup for the first time since 1986. Iraq will compete in Group I alongside France, Norway, and Senegal, starting their campaign against Norway on June 16.
Read at ESPN
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