Iraq vs Bolivia Tips & Preview - South Americans to secure World Cup ticket

Tolu Shotade

Editor

Last updated: Mon 30 Mar 2026 10:43

Tolu Shotade 30 Mar 2026

Share this article

Iraq aiming for second-ever World Cup appearance; narrowly missed AFC qualifiers.
Bolivia rejuvenated under manager Villegas, hoping for fourth World Cup appearance.
Both teams have defensive weaknesses; expect a potentially high-scoring match.

Expired

Iraq vs Bolivia

A place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is the prize as Iraq battle Bolivia in the intercontinental playoff final.

Both teams come into this clash in contrasting form, with the South Americans showing some quality at the moment. They should have the upper hand over their rivals, who have been unconvincing lately.

Iraq News

Iraq are aiming to make only their second World Cup appearance, having last qualified for the tournament in 1986. They narrowly missed out on an automatic ticket in the AFC qualifiers after finishing just behind Saudi Arabia on goal difference in the final round.

The Iraqis reached the intercontinental playoffs thanks to a 3-2 aggregate victory over the UAE back in November. Graham Arnold's team played out a 1-1 first-leg draw before winning 2-1 in the second fixture.

Iraq have not played a competitive game in 2026, with their last outing a 1-0 defeat to Jordan in the Arab Cup back in December. They have scored in seven of their last 10 matches across all competitions while also conceding four of the last five fixtures in this run.

Bolivia News

Bolivia made a poor start to the CONMEBOL qualifiers, losing five of their opening six matches. However, they turned the tide following the appointment of manager Oscar Villegas and are now one game away from their fourth World Cup appearance.

A 2-1 victory over Suriname was enough to earn Bolivia a place in the intercontinental playoff final. That was the second straight win for the South Americans, who claimed a 3-0 victory over Trinidad & Tobago in a friendly earlier in March.

One issue for Bolivia is that they are often shaky at the back and are without a clean sheet in four of their last five matches. However, they have scored at least one second-half goal in three of their last four matches.

Head to Head

The only previous meeting between Iraq and Bolivia was a friendly in 2018, which ended in a 0-0 draw.

Verdict

Iraq v Bolivia

Bolivia have shown some good form since Villegas took charge and have built momentum heading into this clash. They should progress to the 2026 World Cup ahead of Iraq, who have lost their last two matches.

Neither defence has shown much solidity lately, and both teams could be backed to score here. Bolivia have scored at least one second-half goal in three of their last four matches and could be set for a repeat.

Yes

Both Teams to Score

$1.97 - 2 Units

25 SC no deposit & 250,000 GC

Use promo code NEWBONUS

Get 25 Stake Cash & 250,000 Gold Coins when you sign up with code NEWBONUS at Stake.us. USA only. Excludes certain States including NY,NV,ID, KY,WA. 18+ only. Terms and Conditions apply.

Bet at Stake.com

Bolivia

To Qualify

$2.01 - 2 Units

25 SC no deposit & 250,000 GC

Use promo code NEWBONUS

Get 25 Stake Cash & 250,000 Gold Coins when you sign up with code NEWBONUS at Stake.us. USA only. Excludes certain States including NY,NV,ID, KY,WA. 18+ only. Terms and Conditions apply.

Bet at Stake.com

Bolivia

Second Half Over 0.5 Goals

$2.02 - 2 Units

25 SC no deposit & 250,000 GC

Use promo code NEWBONUS

Get 25 Stake Cash & 250,000 Gold Coins when you sign up with code NEWBONUS at Stake.us. USA only. Excludes certain States including NY,NV,ID, KY,WA. 18+ only. Terms and Conditions apply.

Bet at Stake.com