We now know all the teams that will compete in the next FIFA World Cup. Six nations secured their place in the North American tournament, bringing to a close months of intense qualifying. Four European teams emerged from the playoffs, while the final two spots were contested in Mexico during a tense intercontinental tournament.
Iraq: A historic return, a powerful symbol
In Monterrey, Iraq achieved much more than just a victory. By defeating Bolivia 2-1, the Iraqi national team secured a historic qualification, their first since 1986. It was a victory built on determination: Ali Al-Hamadi opened the scoring, Moises Paniagua responded, before Aymen Hussein delivered a moment of national joy.
Forty years after his last world appearance, also in Mexico, iraq returns to the world stage. This late qualification opens the doors to Group I, where awaits FranceSenegal and Norway.
DR Congo: A return awaited for half a century
A few hours before Iraq, the Democratic Republic of Congo had already made their mark on the evening. In Guadalajara, the Congolese beat Jamaica 1-0 after extra time thanks to a goal from Axel Tuanzebe.
This victory sends the country back to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when it was Zaire. More than fifty years of waiting have finally been rewarded. The Democratic Republic of Congo joins Group K, alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.
Bosnia: The feat that brings tears to Italy's eyes
In Europe, the sensation came from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Facing Italy, the Bosnian team snatched qualification in a nail-biting finish.
Trailing after a goal from Moise Kean, they capitalized on an Italian expulsion to get back into the game thanks to Haris Tabakovic. The match was decided by penalties, where Bosnia displayed remarkable composure.
As a result, Italy will miss a third consecutive World Cup, a seismic event in the world of football. Bosnia, meanwhile, returns to the competition for the first time since 2014.
Sweden: A comeback snatched in the final seconds
In Solna, Sweden secured their place in the next round with a spectacular 3-2 victory over Poland. The hero of the evening: Viktor Gyökeres, who scored in the 88th minute.
After missing the 2022 edition, the Scandinavians return to the world stage with an ambitious squad. They will join Group F, alongside the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia.
Türkiye: The end of a long wait
Twenty-four years. That's how long it took Turkey to return to the World Cup. In Pristina, the Turks beat Kosovo 1-0 thanks to Kerem Aktürkoğlu.
They had been absent from the tournament since their third-place finish in 2002. This return marks a renaissance for a team seeking to reaffirm its status. They will compete in Group D with the United States, Paraguay, and Australia.
Czech Republic: Qualification through courage
In Prague, the Czech Republic had to dig deep to overcome Denmark. After an intense match that ended in a 2-2 draw, the Czechs prevailed in the penalty shootout (3-1).
This success ends a twenty-year absence from the world stage. They join Group A, composed of Mexico, South Africa and South Korea.
The list is now complete: the 48 teams will compete from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
