Iraq Ends Bolivia's World Cup Dream to Complete 48-Team 2026 Field
By Oliver Mason
Published on April 1, 2026.
Iraq defeated Bolivia 2-1 in Monterrey, Mexico, to secure the last remaining spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking their return to the tournament for the first time in 40 years. The victory ends Bolivia's World Cup qualification cycle with six CONMEBOL teams in the expanded 48-team field. The 2026 World Cup field is now complete, with Iraq's only previous World Cup appearance being in 1986 in Mexico. The tournament begins on June 11 across the US, Mexico and Canada, the first in North America since 1994.
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