In a night of drama that spanned continents, Iraq sealed their place in the finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Italy once again heartbrokenly failed to qualify.Iraq became the 48th and final team to qualify for the World Cup, defeating Bolivia 2-1 in the intercontinental play-offs in Mexico to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1986.Push boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!Goals from Ali Al Hammadi and Aymen Hussein sealed a memorable win for a team that had overcome huge off-field challenges. Preparations were severely disrupted by the conflict in the Middle East, with players having to make an arduous three-day journey to reach the venue.Despite the difficulties, Iraq started strongly, with Hammadi scoring with a header in the 9th minute. Bolivia equalized before half-time, but captain Hussein restored the lead with a clinical finish early in the second half. The Iraqi team defended tenaciously in the tense final and secured qualification.The result marked a major achievement for head coach Graham Arnold, who had earlier expressed concerns about disruption to his team’s build-up. Iraq will now be placed in Group 1 along with France, Senegal and Norway.
Four-time champions Italy lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off final. (Image source: Italian Football)
Italy’s nightmare continuesWhile Iraq celebrated, Italy suffered another devastating blow. The four-time champions lost the play-off final 4-1 on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina after a tense draw.Italy took an early lead through Moise Kean but the game turned on its head after defender Alessandro Bastoni was sent off just before half-time. Bosnia secured victory late on, with Haris Tabakovic forcing extra time in a penalty shootout.The decisive moment came when Esmir Bayraktarevic took the winning penalty, sparking wild celebrations.Italy coach Gattuso admitted the pain of the defeat. “It’s hard to digest. I’m proud of the kids, but it’s a huge blow,” he said.The result means Italy will miss a third successive World Cup – an unprecedented low for one of football’s most decorated nations. Meanwhile, Bosnia is back on the global stage for the first time since 2014.
