2026 World Cup Field Set at 48: Iraq Returns After 40 Years, Italy Misses Again

On April 1, Iraq beat Bolivia 2-1 in the intercontinental playoff to claim the final ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

Iraqis celebrate in the streets after Iraq beat Bolivia on April 1 to qualify for the FIFA World Cup finals for the first time since 1986. [Yonhap/Reuters]

The result sent Iraq to the World Cup for the first time since 1986, ending a 40-year wait. Iraq, which borders Iran, has been shaken by war in the Middle East, with about 100 people killed, leaving the country in an unstable situation.

Despite the security strains, large crowds poured into streets across Baghdad and other cities after the win, setting off fireworks and cheering. The Iraqi government declared a two-day public holiday.

Another team ended an even longer drought. The Democratic Republic of Congo qualified for the finals for the first time in 52 years, beating Jamaica in the intercontinental playoff after a 120-minute match. DR Congo scored in extra time and held on for the win.

DR Congo players celebrate after clinching a place in the World Cup finals. [Yonhap/Reuters]

Italy, a four-time champion, failed to qualify for a third straight World Cup. Italy drew Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-1 after extra time in the European qualifying playoff Group A final on April 1, then lost on penalties.

After the setback, Italy’s football federation president and the national team director resigned, the report said. Bosnia and Herzegovina, meanwhile, will return to the World Cup for the second time, 12 years after 2014.

Italy players react after failing to qualify for the World Cup finals. [Yonhap/Reuters]

South Korea’s first opponent in Group A was set as the Czech Republic, which qualified for the first time since the 2006 tournament in Germany. The Czech Republic beat Denmark on penalties after extra time in the European playoff Group D final.

The 2026 tournament will be the first World Cup to expand from 32 teams to 48. Jordan and Uzbekistan from Asia, Cape Verde from Africa, and Curacao from the CONCACAF region will make their World Cup debuts.

With the United States, Canada and Mexico hosting, the North America World Cup is expected to be the largest in the tournament’s history. The number of matches will rise from 64 to 104, and the competition will run 39 days, the longest World Cup to date.

* This article has been translated by AI.

LEE SOO JIN