Kamal Ghorui
In a night of high drama across continents, Iraq sealed the final spot at the FIFA World Cup 2026, while Italy suffered yet another heartbreaking failure to qualify.Iraq became the 48th and final team to qualify, defeating Bolivia 2-1 in an intercontinental playoff in Mexico to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1986.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Goals from Ali Al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein capped a memorable victory for a side that overcame immense off-field challenges. Preparations had been severely disrupted due to conflict in the Middle East, forcing players into a gruelling three-day journey just to reach the venue.Despite the odds, Iraq started strongly, with Al-Hamadi heading home in the ninth minute. Bolivia equalised before half-time, but captain Hussein restored the lead early in the second half with a composed finish. Iraq’s defence then held firm through a tense finale to seal qualification.The result marked a major achievement for head coach Graham Arnold, who had earlier voiced concerns over the team’s disrupted build-up. Iraq will now feature in Group I alongside France, Senegal and Norway.
The four-time champions Italy lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a playoff final. (Pic credit: Italy football)
Italy’s nightmare continuesWhile Iraq celebrated, Italy endured another crushing blow. The four-time champions lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a playoff final, going down 4-1 in a penalty shoot-out after a tense draw.Italy had taken an early lead through Moise Kean, but the game turned after defender Alessandro Bastoni was sent off before half-time. Bosnia capitalised late, with Haris Tabakovic forcing extra time before holding their nerve in the shoot-out.The decisive moment came when Esmir Bajraktarevic converted the winning penalty, sparking wild celebrations.Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso admitted the pain of the defeat. “It’s difficult to digest. I’m proud of the boys, but this is a huge blow,” he said.The result means Italy will miss a third consecutive World Cup — an unprecedented low for one of football’s most decorated nations. Bosnia, meanwhile, return to the global stage for the first time since 2014.
