Iraq and Bolivia clash this Tuesday, March 31, at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico, in the FIFA international playoff. With just one spot remaining to complete the 48-team field, both sides are expected to leave everything on the pitch to secure their place in the 2026 World Cup.
Watch Iraq vs Bolivia live on Fubo
The FIFA international playoff began with Bolivia having to get past Suriname in the semifinals, while Iraq waited for its opponent in the final. A 2-1 comeback, fueled by goals from Moises Paniagua and Miguel Angel Terceros, sent La Verde through to the decisive match, with just one step now standing between them and the World Cup.
Iraq, meanwhile, overcame several obstacles just to get to Mexico, including a dispute with U.S. authorities over a potential boycott of the tournament, before finally arriving in North America ready to compete. Their last competitive action dates back to December, when they were knocked out of the Arab Cup in the quarterfinals with a 1-0 defeat to already-qualified Jordan.
Iraq and Bolivia set to break long absences
Having fallen short of earning a direct berth, both Bolivia and Iraq now stand on the verge of ending lengthy World Cup droughts. In Bolivia’s case, their last appearance came at the 1994 edition on U.S. soil, where they finished last in Group C behind Germany, Spain and South Korea.
Iraq’s most recent World Cup dates back even further, to the 1986 tournament held in Mexico, where they failed to pick up a single point in Group B against the hosts, Paraguay and Belgium. Fittingly, both nations will have the chance to end their respective absences by qualifying for a tournament that will once again be held in North America.
Projected lineups for Iraq and Bolivia
Iraq’s projected lineup (4-4-2): Ahmed Basil; Hussein Ali, Zaid Tahseen, Akam Hashem, Merchas Doski; Marko Farji, Aimar Sher, Amir Al-Ammari, Ali Jasim; Aymen Hussein, Mohanad Ali.
Head coach: Graham Arnold.
Bolivia’s projected lineup (4-3-3):Guillermo Vizcarra; Diego Medina, Luis Haquin, Efrain Morales, Roberto Fernandez; Robson Matheus, Hector Cuellar, Gabriel Villamil; Miguelito, Enzo Monteiro, Ramiro Vaca.
Head coach: Oscar Villegas.