Iraq defeats Bolivia to clinch 2026 World Cup spot. See group schedule.

Iraq has qualified for the World Cup with a 2-1 win over Bolivia in a FIFA World Cup intercontinental playoff final on March 31. Ali Al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein provided the goals for Iraq, which ends a 40-year absence from the World Cup. Iraq's last, and only, World Cup appearance came in 1986.

Iraq reached the World Cup by winning a Asian Football Confederation fourth-round playoff against the United Arab Emirates in November 2025. Iraq had received an automatic bye to the intercontinental qualifying final due to its FIFA ranking. Iraq goes into Group I with France, Senegal and Norway.

Iraq World Cup group stage schedule June 16 vs. Norway (Group I) - Boston June 22 vs. France - Philadelphia June 26 vs.

Senegal - Toronto This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Iraq clinches 2026 World Cup spot with win over Bolivia