The last opponent for the French team is finally known. Iraq secured their spot for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, March 31, by beating Bolivia 2-1 in the final of the intercontinental playoffs, after a decisive match in Monterrey, Mexico.
A historic victory for the Lions of Mesopotamia, ranked 59th in the FIFA rankings, who will now be the third and final opponents of the French team in the group stage, alongside Senegal and Norway. The French team now knows what to expect against a team driven by collective momentum and extraordinary determination.
Behind this qualification, only the second in the country’s history after 1986, lies a journey filled with challenges. From a tense geopolitical context linked to the war in the Middle East to an endless journey to Mexico, the Iraqis had to draw on their mental resources. Led by a united group and supported by a mobilized diaspora, they played a total of 21 matches to achieve this dream. Iraq will make their debut in the competition on June 17 (00:00) against Norway and will face the French team on the second matchday, June 22 at 23:00.
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