Iraq qualifies for first World Cup in 40 years

SportsSportsApril 4, 2026 at 11:36 AM

Key Points

Iraq qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1986.
The team defeated Bolivia in a playoff to secure qualification.
Thousands greeted the team as heroes upon their return to Baghdad.

Iraq has qualified for the football World Cup for the first time since 1986. The team secured its place by defeating Bolivia in a decisive playoff match. Upon returning to Baghdad, the team was greeted as heroes by thousands of people.

Coach Graham Arnold said he was glad to have made 46 million people happy.

I was glad to have made 46 million people happy.
Graham Arnold, Coach
Expressing satisfaction after Iraq qualified for the World Cup

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