Aymen Hussein’s second-half strike secures 2–1 playoff victory over Bolivia, sending Iraq to Group I alongside France, Norway, and Senegal.
MONTERREY, Mexico — Iraq ended four decades of World Cup heartbreak on Tuesday, clinching the final berth for this summer’s tournament with a 2–1 inter-confederation playoff victory over Bolivia.
Aymen Hussein’s decisive second-half goal at the Monterrey Stadium sealed Iraq’s place as the 48th and final nation to qualify for the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States from June 11 to July 19.
The victory marks Iraq’s first appearance on football’s grandest stage since 1986, ending a 40-year absence that stretched across generations of players and fans.
Ali Al Hamadi, who plays for Luton Town in England’s League One, opened the scoring for Iraq in the 10th minute. Bolivia goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra had earlier produced a fingertip save to deny Amir Al Ammari’s curling free kick, but from the resulting corner, Al Hamadi rose above the Bolivian defense to head home.
Bolivia, who had advanced to the playoff decider by defeating Suriname last Thursday, responded before halftime. Moises Paniagua capitalized on a forward pass from Ramiro Vaca that initially appeared to be a shot on goal, turning sharply and slamming home from close range to level the score.
Iraq regained the lead in the 53rd minute. Substitute Marko Farji delivered a cross into the box where Hussein reacted quickest, steering the ball past his marker and into the net. Mohanad Ali had a chance to add a third in the dying minutes but failed to convert, while Bolivia forced several late corners in search of an equalizer that would send the match to extra time. Iraq’s defense held firm.
Emotional Victory Amid Regional Turmoil
Iraq coach Graham Arnold, who previously guided his native Australia to the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, praised his players for their resilience.
“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,” Arnold said.
“You’ve got to give full credit to Bolivia because they played well. It was through the great defending from our players—putting their bodies on the line as I said—and we defended the crosses really well. That’s why we won the game.”
Arnold dedicated the victory to the Iraqi people. “I am so happy that we’ve made 46 million people happy, and especially with what’s going on in the Middle East at the moment,” he said.
Group Stage Awaits
Iraq becomes the ninth Asian nation to qualify for the World Cup. They will compete in Group I alongside France, Norway, and Senegal.
Their only previous World Cup appearance came in Mexico in 1986, where they lost all three group matches. This time, Iraq will look to make a deeper impression on a tournament that now spans 48 teams for the first time.
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