TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Iraqi national team has secured their place in the 2026 World Cup after defeating Bolivia 2-1 in the inter-confederation playoff final at Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe, Mexico on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. This victory also completes the list of tournament participants, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Iraq exerted pressure from the beginning. Graham Arnold's team took the lead in the 10th minute through Ali Al-Hamadi's goal. However, their lead didn't last long as Bolivia equalized through Moises Paniagua in the 38th minute.
Entering the second half, Iraq increased its attacking intensity. As a result, Aymen Hussein scored in the 53rd minute to secure a 2-1 victory and a ticket to the final round. This will be Iraq's second appearance in the World Cup, following their participation in the 1986 edition. In 2026, Iraq will be placed in Group I alongside France, Senegal, and Norway.
In another match, the national team of the Democratic Republic of the Congo made history by qualifying for the 2026 World Cup after defeating Jamaica 1-0 in the inter-confederation playoff final in Guadalajara, Mexico. This marks the first time the DR Congo will compete in the World Cup under its current national identity after participating as Zaire in 1974.
As reported by Antara, the match was closely contested from the beginning. Both teams fielded their best players but failed to score a goal until the end of regular time. DR Congo finally secured the victory in extra time with Axel Tuanzebe's goal in the 100th minute off a corner kick.
After taking the lead, DR Congo played more disciplined defense and managed to thwart Jamaica's efforts until the final whistle. This victory ensures their participation in the 2026 World Cup, where they will be placed in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.
48-team List in the 2026 World Cup
- Asia (AFC): Australia, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Uzbekistan.
- Americas (CONCACAF): Canada, Curacao, Haiti, Mexico, Panama, United States.
- Europe (UEFA): Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey.
- Africa (CAF): Algeria, Cape Verde, DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia.
- South America (CONMEBOL): Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay.
- Oceania (OFC): New Zealand.
Read: Italy Miss Out on World Cup, Buffon to Remain Until June
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Italy Miss Out on World Cup, Buffon to Remain Until June
3 jam lalu
The Italian national team faces a dramatic elimination in the 2026 World Cup playoff. Gennaro Gattuso apologizes.
Amnesty Flags FIFA World Cup Human Rights Risks
1 hari lalu
The human rights group has sounded the alarm about risks faced by visitors to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Argentina Awaits Lionel Messi's 2026 World Cup Decision
3 hari lalu
Argentine national team coach Lionel Scaloni emphasizes that Lionel Messi's decision should consider the player's physical and mental conditions.
FIFA Confirms New 2026 World Cup Rules: What's Changing?
5 hari lalu
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, FIFA has approved a set of new World Cup rules to stop time-wasting, including a 10-second substitution limit.
2026 World Cup European Qualifiers: Playoff Schedule
6 hari lalu
Italy will face Northern Ireland at Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium in Bergamo in the 2026 World Cup European qualifying playoff.
World Cup Fans File Ticket Price Complaint at EU
7 hari lalu
World Cup tickets are reaching eye-watering prices, with one seat resold for over 163,000. Fans are asking the EU to step in.
Iran Says It's Boycotting the U.S., Not FIFA World Cup
12 hari lalu
President of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, stated that the country will continue to prepare to participate in the 2026 World Cup.
World Cup 2026: Is the US-Iran War an Ethical Tipping Point?
14 hari lalu
As the U.S. hosts the 2026 World Cup, its war with qualified Iran deepens ethical concerns.
Iran Seeks to Shift Its US World Cup Matches to Mexico
15 hari lalu
Iran's sports minister earlier said Iran would boycott the 2026 World Cup after the US-Israeli airstrikes across the country.
Mexico City Sets World Record for Largest Soccer Class
16 hari lalu
Mexico City sets new world record after more than 9,000 people took part in a massive open-air soccer class.
