Iraq praised by AFC President as 40-year wait ends

Thu, 02 Apr, 2026

Iraq praised by AFC President as 40-year wait ends

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has extended his congratulations to Iraq following the national team’s hard-fought qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The Lions of Mesopotamia officially punched their ticket to football’s grandest stage for the first time since their 1986 debut in Mexico after securing a 2-1 victory over Bolivia in the FIFA Playoff Tournament at the Monterrey Stadium on Tuesday.

Hussein powers Iraq to Finals

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

Hussein powers Iraq to Finals

Monterrey: Aymen Hussein scored the winner as Iraq booked their place at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after defeating Bolivia 2-1 in their playoff at Monterrey Stadium on Tuesday.

The win sees the West Asian side return to the global showpiece for the first time since making their debut in 1986, ironically when the tournament was last held in Mexico.

Iraq will have France, Senegal and Norway for company in Group I of the global showpiece.

Draw: What they said

Sat, 06 Dec, 2025

Draw: What they said

Washington: Friday’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw revealed the challenges Asia’s finest will face in the expanded global showpiece next summer.

It was a draw which had everything and the Asian teams were understandably excited as they began to lay plans for their respective sides.

The-AFC.com listened to what they had to say.

Asia's hopefuls discover challengers

Sat, 06 Dec, 2025

Asia's hopefuls discover challengers

Washington: Asia's representatives learnt their FIFA World Cup 2026 challengers following the conclusion of the draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC on Friday.

The 48 teams were drawn into 12 groups for the global showpiece which will take place in Canada, Mexico and the United States on June 11-July 19, 2026.