ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – The Iraqi national football team on Wednesday officially qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, for the first time in 40 years, after besting Bolivia in a qualifier round.

Iraq faced Bolivia in a highly-anticipated matchup, with a World Cup qualification in the grabs for the Lions of Mesopotamia. Iraq opened the scoresheet with a goal from an Ali Al Hamadi header in the 10th minute of the game, but it wasn’t long before Bolivia equalized in the first half. 

In the 53rd minute in the second half, Iraq’s renowned Ayman Hussein converted a cross from Marko Farji with a right-footed shot inside the box, sending his national team through to the World Cup.

Wednesday’s 2-1 nailbiter victory marks the first time Iraq will make an appearance on the world stage in the prestigious tournament since in 1986, when the legendary Argentine football player Diego Maradona led his team to glory.

“‎We congratulate our noble people on the football achievement of our national team heroes in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup finals, fulfilling the dream of our fans who were looking forward to this great achievement,” Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani wrote after the game.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be jointly hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, is the first time the tournament features a new 48-team format, up from the previous 32 teams that have historically competed for the title.

“‎The qualification of our national team to the World Cup finals is an important milestone in the history of Iraqi sports, and it consolidates our country’s position in this global forum. It also confirms the strong will of our youth who are keen to raise the name of Iraq high in all fields, including the sports field,” the Iraqi premier added.

Sudani declared that Wednesday and Thursday will be observed as public holidays “in celebration of the National Team’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” his office said in a statement.