On Tuesday, four final matches in the European playoffs were held. Teams such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Turkey, and Sweden secured their spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The first intercontinental playoff began late in the evening, featuring a match between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Jamaica.
The clash at Estadio Akron in Zapopan was decided only in extra time. In the 100th minute, Axel Tuanzebe scored the decisive goal, granting the African team a place in the World Cup. Their previous and only appearance was in 1974 when they competed as Zaire. A few hours later, the final playoff match took place at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, where Iraq faced Bolivia.
Iraq took an early lead in the 10th minute, thanks to Ali Al-Hamadi’s goal following an assist from Amir Al-Ammari. La Verde responded in the 38th minute when Moises Paniagua found the net to level the score. After halftime, Graham Arnold’s squad delivered the decisive blow.
In the 53rd minute, Aymen Hussein scored past Guillermo Viscarra, securing Iraq’s place in the World Cup. The Lions of Mesopotamia return to the tournament after a 40-year absence, with their last and only participation being in the 1986 edition held in Mexico.