The Iraqi national team secured the global playoff spot at the 'BBVA' stadium in Monterrey early Wednesday, defeating Bolivia 2-1 to qualify for the 2026 World Cup for the second time in its history. The 'Lions of Mesopotamia' scored through Ali Al-Hamadi in the ninth minute and Ayman Hussein in the 53rd minute, while Moises Paniagua scored Bolivia's only goal in the 38th minute with a shot that settled in the top left corner.

Coach Graham Arnold's team delivered a high-level tactical match, imposing their style on most of the proceedings, leaving behind three prominent scenes that summed up the qualification story.

Arnold's courage was evident from the whistle's start. He gambled on two forwards contrary to expectations of midfield and defense closure, playing with an offensive style that confused Bolivia despite the few attacks, which were focused and dangerous. Starting with two forwards gave Iraq the initiative, translating into an early goal that opened the match and forced the opponent to change their calculations.

The players showed great discipline for most of the minutes, except for moments when they were affected by the euphoria of advancing, before quickly regaining their balance. The defense line held firm against Bolivian waves, with Akam Hashim and Zaid Tahseen delivering a solid performance, supported by strong performances from full-backs Hussein Ali and Mirkhas Doski, making the 'Lions' defense appear as one of its most stable versions in crucial stages.

Despite the decline in performance towards the end of the first half, especially at the moment of the equalizer in the 38th minute, Iraq returned in the second half with high pressure in attack and defense, regaining the rhythm. Although several players had not participated regularly with their clubs and were not in their best physical condition, the high spirit and Arnold's successful substitutions restored the advantage and decided the confrontation at the right time.