Monterrey, April 1 -- Iraq booked their place at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after edging past Bolivia 2-1 in a decisive intercontinental playoff, marking their return to football's biggest stage after nearly four decades.

According to ESPN, the Asian side produced a composed performance at Estadio BBVA on Tuesday to claim the final available spot in the expanded 48-team tournament. Iraq last featured at the World Cup in 1986, and their qualification ends a long wait for the "Lions of Mesopotamia."

Iraq made a strong start, taking the lead early in the first half when forward Ali Al-Hamadi found the net with a well-timed header from a set-piece delivery. Bolivia responded before the break, as Moises Paniagua capitalised on an attacking move...