Iraq became the 48th and final team to qualify for the World Cup on Tuesday, defeating Bolivia 2-1 in an intercontinental playoff in Mexico to seal their first appearance at the finals in 40 years.

Aymen Hussein ⁠steered home a ⁠second-half winner to ⁠see the Iraqis into the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the US.

Ali ⁠Al Hamadi handed Iraq a 10th-minute lead at the Monterrey Stadium, but Bolivia were level at the break through Moises Paniagua.

Iraq, whose preparations for Tuesday playoff had been disrupted by the war in the Middle East, will play in World Cup Group I against France, Senegal and Norway. (Agencies)


Edited by Edmond Fong