Iraq is eagerly awaiting Thursday’s draw in Zurich for the intercontinental playoff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hoping to learn the identity of its potential opponent in the final that will grant a direct qualification spot to the tournament hosted next summer by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Under the playoff format, the two highest-ranked teams will advance directly to the final, while the remaining four lower-ranked teams will contest the semifinals.
Iraq has secured direct passage to the final alongside the Democratic Republic of Congo, as both are expected to be the highest-ranked teams according to FIFA’s updated rankings to be released on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the four other teams—Bolivia (CONMEBOL), New Caledonia (Oceania), Jamaica and Suriname (CONCACAF)—will compete in the semifinal round.
During the draw, these four teams will be assigned to the first available match slot (Match 1 then Match 2), while the two CONCACAF representatives will be placed in separate paths in accordance with FIFA’s standard draw procedures.
The playoff will be held during the upcoming international window in late March in Mexico, one of the three World Cup host nations.
Iraq reached the global playoff after defeating the United Arab Emirates 3–2 on aggregate in the Asian playoff final, having finished second in Group B of the fourth round behind Saudi Arabia on goal difference.
The “Lions of Mesopotamia” hope to return to the World Cup stage for the first time since their maiden appearance at the 1986 edition in Mexico.
“The Big Dream”
Iraq FA President Adnan Dirjal told reporters: “This is the best match the Iraqi national team has played since the Japan match in the Asian Cup (2–1 in January 2024 during the group stage).”
“The dream we have all been waiting for since 1986 has lasted long enough,” he added.
Aymen Hussein, who scored the dramatic winning goal against the UAE in the 90+17th minute from the penalty spot, spoke about the next phase:
“We now return to our clubs, and we have the Arab Cup (hosted by Qatar in January), which will be an opportunity for us to develop even further as a national team.”
“In March, every player must be in top form because that match is what separates us from the big dream,” he said.
Omar Shirkari of Norway’s Sarpsborg added: “We have a long road ahead, and we must continue working hard. Our message to the fans is to keep supporting us—you give us the extra energy we need during matches.”
Australian coach Graham Arnold will also have time to recover several injured players ahead of the decisive playoff final.
Bolivia the Most Experienced
Like Iraq, the Democratic Republic of Congo also dreams of returning to the World Cup after a single appearance in 1974 under the name “Zaire.”
DR Congo eliminated Nigeria—who have six previous World Cup appearances—in the African playoff final via penalty shootout.
Jamaica (ranked 70th by FIFA) booked their spot in the intercontinental playoff by finishing second in Group B of the CONCACAF qualifiers, and as the highest-ranked runner-up. The “Reggae Boyz” also aim to return to the World Cup after their only appearance in 1998 in France.
Suriname (121st), runners-up in Group A, are seeking their first-ever World Cup qualification since their debut in the 1978 qualifiers after gaining independence.
Bolivia (76th) are the most experienced among the playoff contenders with three prior World Cup appearances—the last in 1994 in the United States—while New Caledonia remains the lowest-ranked side at 148.
