After 23 qualification matches, a 25-hour journey and a rejected request to postpone their playoff, Iraq have secured a place at the World Cup for the first time since 1986. A 2-1 win over Bolivia at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico set off celebrations across the country and prompted a two-day national holiday.
Coach Graham Arnold, who had asked FIFA to delay the fixture because of logistical problems, praised his players’ resilience. The squad endured an arduous three-day trip, with some players forced to travel overland after regional air traffic was disrupted amid tensions linked to the US-Israel-Iran conflict. Arnold said he was delighted for the squad and hoped the result would shift perceptions about Iraqi football.
The triumph came against a backdrop of regional violence that has also touched Iraq: more than 100 Iraqis have been reported killed in related fighting, and the country has seen attacks on US interests and strikes aimed at pro-Iran armed groups. Still, fans took to the streets in joy. Supporter Ali al-Muhandis told AFP that despite economic strain and war, the national team had prevailed, adding that Iraqis often excel in exceptional circumstances.
FIFA confirmed the 48-team World Cup field is complete, with six playoff winners filling the remaining slots. But Iran’s participation is still in doubt. The Iranian Football Federation has repeatedly raised concerns about traveling to the United States and has lobbied for its group matches to be staged in Mexico. During March friendlies, Iranian players staged visible protests: wearing black armbands, carrying schoolbags and holding up pictures of children killed in strikes. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who attended Iran’s 5-0 win over Costa Rica in Turkey, said at halftime that ‘Iran will be at the World Cup.’
Political figures have offered conflicting messages. Former US President Donald Trump warned Iran against traveling ‘for their own life and safety,’ while Iran’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali said ‘under no circumstances can we participate.’ A message posted on the national team’s Instagram account insisted that ‘no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup.’ If Iran withdraws, FIFA’s rules point to a nominated replacement—often the playoff runner-up or the next highest-ranked non-qualified team from the same confederation; the United Arab Emirates has been mentioned as a possible candidate, though nothing is confirmed.
Other playoff outcomes were more straightforward. European spots were claimed by the Czech Republic, Turkey, Sweden and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnia’s shootout victory over Italy ended the Azzurri’s hopes of a third straight World Cup and sparked exuberant scenes in Sarajevo. Defender Nikola Katic described the moment as overwhelming, saying it had moved him to tears.
In Africa, DR Congo qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when the nation competed as Zaire. The expanded 48-team format has drawn criticism for overcrowding the international calendar and lowering overall quality, but it has also broadened access: Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan will all make their tournament debuts.
With most places decided, the tournament field is set—though Iran’s status remains the final unresolved question as organizers and federations weigh safety, politics and sporting fairness.