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Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup - Inter-Confederation Playoffs - Final - Iraq v Bolivia - Estadio Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico - March 31, 2026 Iraq's Ali Al-Hamadi and Frans Putros celebrate with the flag of Kurdistan after qualifying for FIFA World Cup REUTERS / Raquel Cunha
Camera

Forty years on, Iraq return to the World Cup at last

After overcoming a gruelling qualifying campaign and turmoil in the Middle East, Iraq sealed their place at a World Cup for the first time since 1986 on Tuesday

Football

Yamal lambasts Islamophobic chants during Spain's friendly against Egypt

Iraq beat Bolivia to qualify for 2026 Fifa World Cup

Italy in shock after missing out on third straight Fifa World Cup

Turkey one win away from ending 24 years of World Cup hurt

Tuchel accepts reality as Rice, ​Saka and other stars withdraw from squad

Iraq one step from first World Cup in 40 years after overcoming travel problems



Spotlight

  • Poland's Robert Lewandowski, centre, during the World Cup play-off final against Sweden in Stockholm. EPA

    Robert Lewandowski and other missing stars at Fifa World Cup 2026

  • Turkey's players celebrate after victory over Kosovo secured them a place at the 2026 World Cup. AFP

    2026 Fifa World Cup groups

  • Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the IPL title last year. Reuters

    IPL returns to Bengaluru after victory parade tragedy

  • Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya and batting coach Kieron Pollard interact with fans during an IPL pre-season event in Mumbai. AFP

    IPL 2026 predictions: Bengaluru set for strong start, Hyderabad to struggle

  • The first training session for Iraqi national team in Monterrey, Mexico, in preparation for the Intercontinental Playoff for the 2026 World Cup. Photo: Iraq National Football Team
    Camera

    World Cup play-offs: Iraq look to clinch spot as Italy aim to end 12-year exile

  • Security personnel outside the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore ahead of the 2026 Pakistan Super League. AFP

    When does PSL 2026 start and how to watch matches in UAE?

  • Mateo Retegui during Italy's World Cup qualifier against Norway at the San Siro Stadium. Getty Images

    Can Italy qualify for 2026 Fifa World Cup?

  • Manchester United's Harry Maguire reacts with Bruno Fernandes after he is shown a red card by referee Stuart Attwell. Reuters

    Man United player ratings v Bournemouth: Fernandes 7, Cunha 8, Mbeumo 6


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England coach Thomas Tuchel speaks to Jordan Henderson during the friendly against Uruguay at Wembley. AFP

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Iraq beat UAE 3-2 on aggregate in the fourth round of Asian qualifying to reach the intercontinental World Cup play-off final. Reuters

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Shabab Al Ahli players during the UAE Pro League match against Kalba at the Rashid Stadium in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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(FILES) Liverpool's Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah celebrates with the Premier League trophy at the end of the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on May 25, 2025. Mohamed Salah is to leave Liverpool at the end of this season, the Premier League champions announced on March 24, 2026. The 33-year-old Egyptian forward arrived at Anfield from Roma in 2017 and has made 435 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 255 goals. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
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Where next for 'Liverpool's greatest' Mohamed Salah?

Saudi Pro League on the radar of Egyptian superstar after end of glorious career at Anfield

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Can Italy qualify for 2026 Fifa World Cup?

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Salah to leave Liverpool at the end of this season

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Carlos Queiroz leaves Oman on good terms but with bitter memories of Qatar

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Klopp dismisses Real Madrid links as 'all nonsense'

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Carlos Queiroz parts ways with Oman and replaced by Tarik Sektioui

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File photo dated 22-03-2026 of Manchester City's Carabao Cup final hero Nico O'Reilly who is "smelling blood" in the title race after delivering a major blow to Arsenal at Wembley. Issue date: Monday March 23, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read Ben Whitley/PA Wire.
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Man City 'smell blood' in Premier League title battle with Arsenal

League Cup final hero Nico O'Reilly believes Wembley win delivered important blow to table-topping Gunners

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'I'm a human being': City boss Guardiola defends League Cup win celebration

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Nico O'Reilly powers Manchester City to League Cup glory

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Brian Brobbey secures Sunderland's derby double over Newcastle

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Cristiano Ronaldo left out of Portugal squad – but World Cup place 'not a risk'

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Everton outclass Chelsea as Liam Rosenior calls defeat 'most disappointing yet'

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Brighton defeat puts dent in Liverpool's Champions League hopes

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Cristiano Ronaldo is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Reuters

Cristiano Ronaldo left out of Portugal squad – but World Cup place 'not a risk'

Al Nassr captain, who has mild muscle injury, delivers Eid message to millions

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Everton outclass Chelsea as Liam Rosenior calls defeat 'most disappointing yet'

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Brighton defeat puts dent in Liverpool's Champions League hopes

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Man United player ratings v Bournemouth: Fernandes 7, Cunha 8, Mbeumo 6

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League Cup: Reijnders says victory over Arsenal can boost City's title hopes

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