World Cup qualifiers: Iraq secures the final spot in historic 48-team draw
AP News • • sports
Key Points:
- The 48-team lineup for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is finalized after a qualifying process lasting over two and a half years, with Iraq securing the final spot by defeating Bolivia 2-1 in an intercontinental playoff in Monterrey, Mexico.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina upset four-time champion Italy on penalties in European playoffs, eliminating Italy from the World Cup for the third consecutive time and securing their place in Group B alongside Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland.
- Other European playoff winners include Sweden, Turkey, and the Czech Republic, who will compete in Groups F, D, and A respectively, joining host nations and other qualified teams.
- The tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, featuring 12 groups of four teams each, with the opening match scheduled for June 11, 2026.
- The 2026 World Cup qualifiers began on September 7, 2023, in South America, culminating in a diverse field representing all continents.
