MONTERREY, Mexico (Kashmir English): Iraq became the 48th and final team to qualify for the World Cup 2026 as they edged Bolivia in a nerve-shredding 2-1 win in an intercontinental playoff in Mexico on Tuesday.
Encouraged by the win, coach Graham Arnold challenged his players to “shock the world”.
Though their preparations were disrupted by the Middle East war, Iraq sealed their first appearance at the finals in 40 years and will play in Group I against France, Senegal and Norway.
“Let’s shock the world.”
Because of travel disruption caused by the US-Israel war on Iran, most of the Iraqi squad only reached Mexico after a tiring three-day journey from Baghdad that began with an overland crossing into Jordan.
But there was little sign of weariness as the side started confidently. They took the lead after nine minutes through Luton Town striker Al-Hamadi — the 24-year-old who moved to Liverpool as a toddler following the outbreak of the 2003 Iraq war. Bolivia equalised after 38 minutes.
Turkiye end 24-year World Cup drought
Turkiye beat Kosovo 1-0 in their playoff final on Tuesday ending a 24-year wait to qualify for the World Cup.
They returned to football’s biggest stage for the first time since 2002 when they reached the semi-finals.
Turkiye, ranked 25th globally, had fallen short in qualifying campaigns over the past two decades.
“Emotionally, I am at the top. I am incredibly proud. I wouldn’t change my players for a thing. Anyone who does this job dreams of the World Cup, I am incredibly grateful to my players. We have achieved our dream,” Vincenzo Montella Cavaliere OMRI, head coach of the Turkey national football team, told Anadolu.
“It is an incredible feeling, I cannot describe it in words. The World Cup is the pinnacle,” he added.
Turkiye will face Australia, Paraguay and co-hosts the United States in Group D of the tournament. The event will also be hosted by Canada and Mexico.
