5ASIDE: Iraq Secures World Cup Spot After a Journey Full of Obstacles
Iraq defeated Bolivia 2-1 in an intense and emotional match to secure the final spot at the World Cup.
It felt like destiny: on Mexican soil, where they played their last World Cup in 1986, the Lions of Mesopotamia sealed their return to football’s biggest stage.
Iraq started the match with organization and a very clear structure, something that quickly showed on the scoreboard. In the 10th minute, from a corner kick, Al-Hamadi appeared virtually unmarked to head the ball home and make it 1-0, marking the first goal ever scored by the Iraqis against a South American national team.
Bolivia Responds but Iraq Strikes Again
Bolivia refused to back down and took control of possession, although without creating much danger. However, they found the equalizer with a bit of luck: after a deflected shot by Ramiro Vaca, Paniagua controlled the ball inside the box and finished with great quality to make it 1-1.
The match went into halftime level, but early in the second half Iraq struck again. In the 53rd minute, captain Hussein got ahead of the Bolivian defense and finished a precise cross from Faraj to restore his team’s lead.
La Verde pushed forward more with determination than clarity. They earned as many as 17 corner kicks but failed to turn any into a real scoring opportunity. At the same time, they left spaces at the back that Iraq could have exploited on the counterattack, though they were unable to score a third goal.
A Return 40 Years in the Making
Bolivia’s push was not enough. They never managed to create a clear chance to send the match into extra time, and Iraq held on to claim victory and the final World Cup berth.
The difference came down to attitude: Iraq played every ball as if it were their last. Without displaying brilliant football, they showed character, intensity, and efficiency. The few chances they had, they converted.
With this result, Iraq ends a 40-year drought without a World Cup appearance. Their last participation came in Mexico 1986, where they were eliminated in the group stage after losses to Mexico, Paraguay, and Belgium.
Now, the Lions of Mesopotamia join Group I, one of the tournament’s toughest groups. They will debut on June 16 in Boston against Norway led by Erling Haaland; then face France and Kylian Mbappé on June 22 in Philadelphia, and close the group stage on June 26 in Toronto against Senegal.
With all 48 teams confirmed, the World Cup is set. The global football atmosphere is already building.
