Bolivia miss out on World Cup, Iraq win 2-1 and return after 40 years

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·1 de abril de 2026

Bolivia miss out on World Cup, Iraq win 2-1 and return after 40 years

Bolivia’s dream of returning to a World Cup faded away in the final of the Intercontinental Playoff. The team managed by Óscar Villegas fell 2-1 to Iraq, a result that extends “La Verde”’s absence from the World Cup to 32 years. Although Moisés Paniagua sparked hope with a temporary equalizer in the 38th minute, the lack of finishing —despite having 16 corner kicks in their favor— sealed the South American side’s fate.

For their part, Iraq achieved a historic milestone by securing their return to the tournament since their only appearance at Mexico 1986. With goals from Ali Al Hamadi and Aymen Hussein, the Asian team booked a place in Group I of the 2026 World Cup, where they will face France, Senegal, and Norway.