MONTERREY, Mexico – The field for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set, and France now knows its full group stage opponents. Iraq secured the final qualifying spot on Tuesday, defeating Bolivia 2-1 in a tense intercontinental playoff at Estadio CF Monterrey in Mexico. The victory means Les Bleus will face Iraq, alongside Senegal and Norway, in Group I when the tournament kicks off this summer.
This is only the second time Iraq has qualified for the World Cup, their first appearance coming in 1986. The Lions of Mesopotamia overcame a challenging journey, including a lengthy overland trip from Baghdad, to reach the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico (June 11 – July 19). The qualification is a significant moment for Iraqi football, coming amidst ongoing challenges within the country.
France will face Iraq on June 22nd at 11 PM Eastern Time (0300 UTC June 23rd) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They open their campaign against Senegal on June 16th in New Jersey, and conclude the group stage against Norway on June 26th in Boston.
Dramatic Playoff Decides Final Spot
The match in Monterrey was a hard-fought affair, with both teams battling for the coveted final berth. Iraq took the lead early through Ali Al-Hamadi, who headed home a corner kick in the 10th minute. Al-Hamadi, who plays for Luton Town in the English third division, grew up in Liverpool after fleeing the Iraq War in 2003 with his parents. His goal ignited the Iraqi supporters in the stands.
Bolivia responded with an equalizer in the 38th minute courtesy of 18-year-old Moises Paniagua, who finished a play after being set up in the box. The goal energized the Bolivian side, and they dominated possession for a period before halftime. Yet, Iraq regained the lead in the 53rd minute through captain Aymen Hussein, who powerfully struck the ball into the net from inside the penalty area.
Hussein’s goal proved to be the decisive moment. Despite Bolivia’s efforts, Iraq held on for the 2-1 victory, sparking jubilant celebrations among the players and their supporters. The atmosphere inside Estadio CF Monterrey, which will host four World Cup matches, was described as festive and colorful, with strong support for both teams.
France Faces an Unfamiliar Opponent
For France, the matchup against Iraq presents a new challenge. The two nations have never faced each other in international competition. Ranked No. 1 by FIFA, and coming off a World Cup final appearance in 2022, France will be heavily favored in the match. However, head coach Didier Deschamps and his squad will need to prepare for an Iraqi team fueled by determination and a strong team spirit.
The Iraqi players largely compete in their domestic league or in lower-tier leagues internationally, meaning they are relatively unknown to the French squad. This lack of familiarity could add an element of unpredictability to the match.
France recently showcased their form with impressive friendly wins over Brazil (2-1) and Colombia (3-1), suggesting they are well-prepared for the challenges ahead. However, the World Cup is a different beast, and Iraq will undoubtedly provide a stern test.
A Journey Marked by Resilience
Iraq’s qualification story is particularly compelling given the ongoing challenges the country faces. The team’s journey to Mexico was arduous, requiring a lengthy overland trip from Baghdad. This logistical hurdle underscores the resilience and dedication of the Iraqi players and staff.
The victory represents a moment of national pride for Iraq, offering a welcome boost to morale amidst a demanding period. The team’s success has been celebrated by the Iraqi diaspora in the United States and Canada, who provided vocal support in Monterrey.
The stadium in Monterrey is familiar ground for some former French internationals. It is the home of Tigres UANL, where André-Pierre Gignac currently plays, and Anthony Martial previously played for the club.
As the World Cup draws closer, all eyes will be on Group I, where France, Senegal, Norway, and Iraq will battle for a place in the knockout stages. The inclusion of Iraq adds an intriguing dynamic to the group, and their story of perseverance is sure to resonate with fans around the world.
Next Up: France will continue their preparations for the World Cup with further training camps and potential friendly matches. The official squad announcement is expected in the coming weeks.
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