Iraq secured their place at the 2026 World Cup finals with a 2-1 win over Bolivia in their Intercontinental play-off final on Tuesday.
There were scenes of joy at the Monterrey Stadium in Mexico as the Lions of Mesopotamia celebrated victory and a return to the World Cup for the first time in 40 years.
“I say to them: I am so happy that we’ve made 46 million people happy,” Iraq's Australian coach Graham Arnold said after the final whistle.
“Especially with what’s going on in the Middle East at the moment, I am so happy for them."
Iraq will compete in Group I at the June 11 to July 19 World Cup along with France, Norway and Senegal.
Joining them will be DR Congo, who beat Jamaica in the other inter-confederation play-off final courtesy of Axel Tuanzebe's goal in extra-time.
Iraq dominated the early exchanges, with Amir Al Ammari testing the Bolivia goalkeeper Guillermo Vascarra with a stinging free kick that was parried away.
Al Ammari swung in the resulting corner, and Ali Al Hamadi, who plies his trade in the third tier of English football, was on hand to head Iraq ahead after only 10 minutes.
Bolivia went into the break on level terms after Moises Paniagua equalised on 38 minutes. He nipped in to control an off-target Ramiro Vaca effort before swivelling and lashing past Ahmed Basil in the Iraqi goal.
Iraq coach Arnold made a double substitution early in the second half, with one of those – Marko Farji – making an immediate impact.
Barely 60 seconds after his arrival, the Italy-based forward raced onto a lofted Zaid Tahseen ball and squared for Aymen Hussein to sweep home from close range on 53 minutes.
Basil well saved Roberto Fernandez's shot on the hour mark as Bolivia desperately searched for a goal. Bolivia forced several late corners as they desperately bid to take the game into extra time but Iraq's defence held firm.
Arnold added: “Very tough match. Full credit to Bolivia, they played well.
“Just through the great defending from our players … we defended the crosses really well. That’s why we won the game.”
That Iraq were able to make it to Mexico was an achievement in itself.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East caused huge travel disruption, with airspace over Iraq closed for a time. Arnold was grounded in Dubai after Iran started firing missiles on Gulf countries following US-Israeli attacks on Tehran on February 28.
The Iraqi Football Association worked closely with Fifa on the logistics, and eventually, a chartered flight was arranged for Iraqi-based players to travel to Mexico. Those not based in Iraq had to make their own way to Monterrey.
In the end, it all proved worthwhile. After a gruelling 28-month qualifying campaign, taking in a total of 21 matches, Iraq became the 48th and final team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Iraq's Prime Minister, Shiaa Al Sudani, ordered official working hours suspended on Wednesday and Thursday in celebration of the national team's achievement.
More than that, 46 million Iraqis can now celebrate a return to the global finals for the first time since 1986.
