By VICTOR OKOYE

Iraq defeated Bolivia 2-1 to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026, ending a 30-year absence from football’s biggest stage.

Goals from Ali Al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein secured Iraq’s historic return, their first appearance since 1986, after victory in the intercontinental playoff final in Mexico.

Al-Hamadi struck in the 10th minute, but Moises Paniagua equalised 28 minutes later in a tightly contested encounter at Monterrey Stadium on Wednesday.

Hussein netted the decisive goal in the 53rd minute, finishing from close range off Marko Farji’s cross to seal qualification for the Lions of Mesopotamia.(NAN)