In a crucial showdown, Bolivia and Iraq will face each other on Tuesday in Monterrey for a spot in the 2026 World Cup. This match is a significant opportunity for both teams. Bolivia aims to break a 32-year World Cup absence, last participating in the 1994 tournament in the United States. Iraq, on the other hand, seeks to return to the World Cup for the first time since 1986.
Match Overview: Bolivia vs. Iraq
Bolivia enters the match with high confidence after defeating Suriname in the intercontinental playoff semifinals. They showcased resilience by coming from behind to win 2-1, with notable contributions from coach Óscar Villegas and young striker Moisés Paniagua, who scored shortly after coming on as a substitute.
Iraq secured their place in this playoff after performing well in the Asian qualifiers. They won all six matches in the second round against Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Despite finishing third in the third round—just missing direct qualification—they continued their campaign and overcame the United Arab Emirates to reach this intercontinental playoff.
Team Formations and Key Players
Both teams are under pressure, with Iraq missing key players due to injuries, including their captain and goalkeeper Jalal Hassan. Bolivia’s lineup may see defensive changes but is expected to maintain strength in attack.
Projected Lineups
| Bolivia | Iraq |
|---|---|
| Guillermo Viscarra | Ahmed Basil |
| Diego Medina | Hussein Ali |
| Luis Haquín | Manaf Younis |
| Marcelo Torrez | Zaid Tahsen |
| Roberto Carlos Fernández | Merchas Doshi |
| Gabriel Villamíl | Ali Jassim |
| Robson Matheus | Kevin Yakob |
| Miguel Terceros | Peter Qwarqis |
| Ramiro Vaca | Amir Al Ammari |
| Fernando Nava | Ali Al Hamadi |
| Enzo Monteiro | Aymen Hussein |
Viewing Details
The match is scheduled at various times across different regions:
- 11 p.m. EDT (Miami)
- 8 p.m. PDT (Los Angeles)
- 9 p.m. CDT (Mexico City)
- 10 p.m. COT (Bogotá)
- 12 a.m. ART (Buenos Aires)
- 5 a.m. CET (Madrid, Wednesday)
In the United States, viewers can watch the match via platforms like Fanatiz, FOX Sports, fuboTV, Peacock TV, ViX, and Telemundo Deportes. Meanwhile, audiences in Argentina, Colombia, and much of Latin America can tune in through DSports, along with additional options in Bolivia. In Mexico, DSports, ViX, and FIFA+ will provide coverage, while DAZN will broadcast the match in Spain.
As history awaits, Bolivia and Iraq prepare for an intense battle where only one team will secure a coveted place in the 2026 World Cup.
