Iraq's Stunning Last-Minute Win: How They Shocked the World to Grab the Final World Cup Spot!

MONTERREY, Mexico (AP) — The excitement surrounding the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached a fever pitch as the final slots have been filled. In a thrilling intercontinental playoff match on March 31, 2026, Iraq secured the 48th and last spot in the tournament by edging Bolivia 2-1 at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico. This victory marks a significant milestone for Iraq, as it will be their first appearance at the World Cup since 1986.

Hours before Iraq's success, another historic upset unfolded in Zenica, Bosnia, where Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated four-time champion Italy in a penalty shootout. The loss means Italy is out of the World Cup for the third consecutive time, marking a significant low for the nation's storied soccer history.

The final day of World Cup qualifying saw eight European teams competing for four coveted spots, while two remaining places were determined through a new intercontinental playoff format held in Mexico. Alongside Iraq, the Democratic Republic of Congo also secured a spot by overcoming Jamaica 1-0 in extra time in Guadalajara, Mexico. These matches concluded a qualifying process that spanned more than two and a half years.

Among the other successful European teams was Sweden, which triumphed over Poland 3-2, Turkey, which edged Kosovo 1-0, and the Czech Republic, which advanced by beating Denmark in a penalty shootout. This will be a notable World Cup, as it features an expanded format with 48 teams, a first in the tournament's history.

The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, kicking off on June 11, 2026. The event will feature 12 groups of four teams, highlighting the growing popularity of soccer across North America. The groups have been drawn as follows:

• Group A: Mexico, Czech Republic, South Africa, South Korea
• Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland
• Group C: Brazil, Haiti, Morocco, Scotland
• Group D: United States, Australia, Paraguay, Turkey
• Group E: Curacao, Ecuador, Germany, Ivory Coast
• Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia
• Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
• Group H: Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Uruguay
• Group I: France, Norway, Senegal, Iraq
• Group J: Algeria, Argentina, Austria, Jordan
• Group K: Colombia, Jamaica, Portugal, Uzbekistan
• Group L: Croatia, England, Ghana, Panama

The inclusion of teams like Iraq and Bosnia underscores the unpredictable nature of World Cup qualifying, where traditional powerhouses can falter. As fans gear up for the tournament, the anticipation is palpable, especially for nations like Iraq, which have not experienced the thrill of competing on such a grand stage in decades. The 2026 World Cup promises to be an unforgettable event, combining the passion of soccer with the diverse cultural landscape of North America.