Iraq national football team have officially qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing their first appearance at the tournament since 1986, as confirmed by Fabrizio Romano on his x handle.
He posted:
OFFICIAL: Iraq are qualified for the 2026 World Cup!
In contrast, Softfootball earlier confirmed that Italy national football team have been eliminated from the 2026 World Cup, marking a third consecutive failure to qualify following previous absences in 2018 and 2022.
Italy’s hopes ended after a playoff defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team, losing on penalties after Alessandro Bastoni was sent off.
The “Lions of Mesopotamia” [Iraq] sealed qualification with a 2–1 victory over Bolivia national football team, sparking celebrations across Baghdad, where fans took to the streets with music, fireworks, and widespread jubilation.
Meanwhile, Turkey national football team have also secured qualification, ending a 24-year absence since their historic third-place finish in 2002. They booked their place with a narrow 1–0 victory over Kosovo national football team in the European playoff final on March 31, 2026.
