Monterrey, Mexico. — Bolivia’s national team faces this Tuesday the most transcendental match of the last three decades when it faces Iraq for the last available spot to the 2026 World Cup.
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The match, to be played at the BBVA Stadium, represents a historic opportunity for the Bolivian team, which seeks to return to a World Cup for the first time since the FIFA World Cup USA 1994.
Led by Óscar Villegas, the South Americans arrive motivated after defeating Suriname 2-1 in the semi-final of the repechage, in a match in which they came back from behind with goals from Moisés Paniagua and Miguel Terceros.
Third parties lead the Bolivian illusion
The young attacker has established himself as the team’s main offensive figure, accumulating eight goals in his last twelve qualifying matches. His ability to make a difference will be key against an Iraqi defense that, despite the injury absence of Ahmed Yahya, maintains solidity in its last line.
Bolivia, which occupies the 76th position in the FIFA ranking, is also closely following the physical evolution of the full-back Diego Medina, who suffered recent discomfort and could be replaced by Lucas Macazaga in the starting eleven.
Iraq dreams of returning to a World Cup
For its part, Iraq, currently in 59th position in the world ranking, will try to return to a World Cup after 40 years of absence. Their only participation was in the FIFA World Cup Mexico 1986.
The team led by Graham Arnold arrives after overcoming logistical difficulties in its transfer, but with solid preparation in the days leading up to the match.
Midfielder Zidane Iqbal and forwards Aymen Hussein and Ali Jasim will be key players in the Asian attack.
A high-tension duel
A close and high-intensity match is expected, in which both teams will prioritize defensive order and seek to take advantage of any counterattack opportunity.
The winner will not only secure their presence in the 2026 World Cup, but will also join Group I alongside France, Norway, and Senegal.
With history on the line, Bolivia and Iraq will star in a match loaded with emotion and meaning, where a single result will define who fulfills the World Cup dream
The match, to be played at the BBVA Stadium, represents a historic opportunity for the Bolivian team, which seeks to return to a World Cup for the first time since the FIFA World Cup USA 1994.
Led by Óscar Villegas, the South Americans arrive motivated after defeating Suriname 2-1 in the semi-final of the repechage, in a match in which they came back from behind with goals from Moisés Paniagua and Miguel Terceros.
