Iraq’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup through the intercontinental play-off have significantly increased following the results of the North American qualifiers on Wednesday morning.
The Iraqi national team defeated the UAE 3-2 on aggregate in the Asian play-off, securing their place in the intercontinental play-off scheduled to be held in Mexico next March.
The play-off regulations stipulate that the two highest-ranked teams receive a bye to the final, with the winner advancing directly to the World Cup.
From North America, Haiti, Panama, and Curaçao have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, while Suriname and Jamaica have advanced to the intercontinental play-off.
Iraq, along with the Democratic Republic of Congo, became the two highest-ranked teams, thus qualifying directly for the final.
The draw to determine the semi-final matches and the path to the final will take place on Thursday. In addition to Suriname and Jamaica, Bolivia and New Caledonia will also participate in the intercontinental play-off.
