Iraq Qualifies for World Cup After 40 Years, War-Era Victory

Iraq qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 40 years by defeating Bolivia 2-1 in an intercontinental playoff.

“BREAKING Trump set to address nation on US-Israeli war on IranIran denies seeking ceasefire, keeps up attacks on Israel, US assetsKuwait puts out fire at airport; Bahrain, UAE, Saudi Arabia down missiles Click to pause breaking news tickerpause-square-backgroundClose Breaking News Tickerclose Toggle Play Iraq coach says World Cup can help ‘change perception’ of country Read more Iraq’s coach says the World Cup could change the perception of the country, after his side qualified for the tournament for the first time in 40 years”

Al Jazeera

The qualifying period was heavily disrupted by the US-Israeli war on Iran.

Al Jazeera

The team endured a three-day journey after airspace closures forced overland travel through Jordan.

Coach Arnold challenged the team to shock the world and expressed relief on behalf of 46 million Iraqis.

More than 100 Iraqis had died in the war raging in the background.

Arnold tried to shield his players from the conflict.

DW

The victory came 40 years after Iraq's last World Cup appearance — fittingly in Mexico.

The win was linked to broader hopes for changing perceptions of Iraq.

The Iraqi squad only reached Mexico after a three-day journey involving overland travel to Amman.

“MONTERREY: Iraq coach Graham Arnold said Monday he is trying to shield his squad from news of the war in the Middle East as they prepare for a crunch 2026 World Cup playoff against Bolivia”

Kuwait Times

Arnold had requested a postponement but was forced to play.

The team coped with shutdown of air traffic in the region as a result of the US-Israel war.

The New York Times highlighted the dramatically different atmosphere compared to other playoffs.

The result carried symbolic weight far beyond sport.

Iraq was dragged into the conflict despite not being a party.

The New York Times

The victory served as a symbolic reprieve amid at least 101 deaths in Iraq linked to the conflict.

A two-day national holiday was announced after the win.