Muscat: Iraq confirmed their place in the World Cup finals, set to be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, after edging past Bolivia in a gripping encounter at Monterrey Stadium.

The victory prompted Iraqi authorities to declare an official holiday on Wednesday and Thursday, as the nation marked its long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage for the first time since 1986.

Iraq got off to a flying start, taking the lead in just the 10th minute through Ali Al Hamadi, who rose above the Bolivian defence to head home from a corner. Earlier, goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra had already been called into action, tipping Amir Al Ammari’s curling free-kick onto the crossbar.

Bolivia, however, regrouped and found an equaliser before halftime. A forward ball from Ramiro Vaca reached Moises Paniagua, who calmly turned and fired home from close range to level the score.

The decisive moment came in the 53rd minute when substitute Marko Farji delivered a cross that was met by Aymen Hussein, who reacted quickest to guide the ball into the net and restore Iraq’s lead.

Iraq had chances to extend their advantage, with Mohanad Ali coming close late on, but Bolivia pressed hard in the closing stages, winning multiple corners in a desperate bid to force extra time. Despite the pressure, Iraq held firm to seal a famous victory.

The result sees Iraq become the 48th and final team to qualify, and the ninth representative from Asia. They will compete in Group I alongside France, Norway, and Senegal when the tournament kicks off on June 11.

This qualification marks a significant milestone in Iraqi football history, ending a 40-year wait since their only previous appearance at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, where they exited in the group stage.