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• Iraq qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending 40-year wait

  Iraq secured its first FIFA World Cup appearance since 1986 after defeating Bolivia 2-1 in a dramatic intercontinental playoff final on Wednesday morning. ​Iraq booked its place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Bolivia 2-1 in the intercontinental playoff final. Ali Al Hamadi opened the scoring early before Moises Paniagua equalized for the South Americans. However, Aymen Hussein’s 53rd-minute strike proved decisive, capping a grueling 28-month qualification campaign. The historic victory marks the Lions of Mesopotamia’s first return to football’s biggest stage in forty years. ​The win triggered massive celebrations as Iraq joined the final field of 48 teams. They are now set to compete in Group I, where they will face formidable opponents including France, Norway, and Senegal. After 21 matches of intense qualification, the Iraqi squad has finally realized their dream. The Middle Eastern nation now prepares for a high-stakes summer tournament across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

• Final playoff teams secure 2026 FIFA World Cup spots

  The 2026 FIFA World Cup field is finalized following dramatic playoff wins by DR Congo, Iraq, and four UEFA nations, setting the stage for the 48-team tournament across North America this June.

  ​The 48-team field for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is complete after a thrilling final night of playoffs.

  In the inter-confederation brackets, Axel Tuanzebe’s 100th-minute strike lifted DR Congo over Jamaica, securing their first appearance since 1974.

  Meanwhile, Iraq defeated Bolivia 2-1 in Monterrey to end a 40-year drought, joining France, Norway, and Senegal in a highly competitive Group I.  

  ​UEFA’s final slots were claimed by Türkiye, Czechia, Sweden, and Bosnia & Herzegovina, who famously eliminated Italy on penalties.

  The result marks a third consecutive missed tournament for the Italians.

  For the hosts, the path is now clear: Mexico kicks off the tournament June 11 against South Africa, while the USMNT prepares for a Group D finale against Türkiye on June 25.  

  ​Preparation now shifts to 16 host cities as the expanded 104-match schedule looms.

  Captain Chancel Mbemba remains grounded following DR Congo’s historic qualification, stating, “We’ll stay humble, keep our feet on the ground, and continue to work.”

  With global giants like Brazil and Argentina facing hungry newcomers, the largest World Cup in history promises a “different feel and vibe” across three nations.  

• Asian Cup 2027 final draw postponed amid regional tensions

  The Asian Football Confederation has delayed the 2027 Asian Cup final draw, originally set for April 11 in Riyadh, citing the need to ensure the safe attendance of all stakeholders.

  ​The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has officially postponed the 2027 Asian Cup final draw due to heightened regional tensions.

  Originally scheduled for April 11 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the event currently has no confirmed rescheduled date.

  “The decision was taken after careful consideration to ensure the undisrupted attendance of all stakeholders at the Final Draw ceremony,” the AFC stated while thanking local organizers.

  ​While the draw is on hold, the AFC confirmed that the Champions League Elite stages in Jeddah will proceed as planned.

  Host nation Saudi Arabia, holders Qatar, and Japan are among the teams already qualified for the tournament.

  The governing body added it “appreciates the understanding and continued cooperation of its Participating Member Associations” as it monitors the safety concerns impacting the sporting calendar.

• Iraq urges FIFA to delay World Cup qualifier amid regional conflict

  Iraq head coach Graham Arnold has called on FIFA to postpone their critical World Cup play-off against Suriname or Bolivia as regional conflict and airspace closures prevent his squad from traveling to Mexico.  

  ​Iraq manager Graham Arnold has issued an urgent plea to FIFA to delay his team’s winner-takes-all qualifier scheduled for March 31.

  Ongoing regional conflict has closed Iraqi airspace and shuttered foreign embassies, leaving domestic players without visas and Arnold stranded in the UAE.

  “Please help us with this game because right now we are struggling to get our players out of the country,” Arnold told reporters.

  ​The turmoil has already forced the cancellation of a training camp in Houston, jeopardizing Iraq’s biggest match in 40 years.

  Arnold proposed deferring the final play-off until June to allow for proper preparation and a clearer geopolitical outlook.

  He emphasized that fielding only overseas-based players is unfeasible, stating, “It wouldn’t be our best team and we need our best team available.”

• Iraq’s World Cup playoff hopes hit by visa woes and travel restrictions

  Iraq’s national team faces critical travel and visa obstacles ahead of their World Cup playoff in Mexico due to regional instability and coach Graham Arnold being stranded in the UAE.

  Iraq’s World Cup qualification efforts are in jeopardy as the conflict in Iran causes severe logistical disruptions.

  Head coach Graham Arnold is currently stranded in the United Arab Emirates due to regional airspace closures, while several key players remain without Mexican visas.

  The Iraqi federation stated, “In addition, several embassies remain closed… preventing several professional players, technical and medical staff members from obtaining entry visas.”

  Mexico’s foreign ministry is working to expedite the process through European embassies, but the clock is ticking before the March 31 playoff in Monterrey.

  Arnold emphasized the gravity of the situation, having previously noted, “the most important thing is that we get things right with ourselves.”

  If issues persist, Iraq’s first potential World Cup appearance since 1986 could be decided by FIFA’s administrative intervention.