Luton Town striker Ali Al-Hamadi scored as Iraq beat Bolivia 2-1 to reach the World Cup finals after a 40-year absence.
The forward, on season-long loan with the Hatters from Ipswich, opened the scoring in the tenth minute with a header from a corner, but it was Aymen Hussein’s goal early in the second half that secured victory in their intercontinental play-off final in Mexico.
Al-Hamadi’s goal was only his second of an injury-hit season, both of which have been scored in his national team’s colours after he netted in in November’s 1-1 qualifying draw with the UAE.
On that occasion, he was also injured and didn’t return to action for Luton until January 27.
That was a factor in why last night’s historic triumph was only the 24-year-old’s 13th appearance of the campaign.
Al-Hamadi was withdrawn after 67 minutes and watched on as victory ensured Iraq became the 48th and final team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup where they will go into a group with 2022 runners up France, deposed Africa Cup of Nations champions Senegal and Norway in the summer tournament to be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Iraq were last in the tournament in 1986, 16 years before Al-Hamadi was even born.
Luton congratulated the forward on their social media channels, saying: “Huge congratulations to Ali Al-Hamadi who scored the opening goal as @IraqNT_EN beat Bolivia 2-1 to qualify for the World Cup!”
Heartbreak for Palmer
But it was World Cup heartbreak for Hatters midfielder Kasey Palmer as his Jamaican side were beaten 1-0 by DR Congo in their inter-confederation play-off final courtesy of a extra-time goal from Burnley’s Axel Tuanzebe, who was on trial with Luton in 2023 during Rob Edwards’ reign.
The 29-year-old, on loan with Luton from Hull City, started the qualifying clash for the Reggae Boyz, but was substituted at the end of normal time.
At the weekend, Luton midfielder George Saville also saw his World Cup hopes end as his Northern Ireland side lost 2-0 play-off semi-final defeat to Italy, with the Azzurri last night missing out on their third consecutive World Cup in a row, with a 4-1 defeat on penalties to Bosnia-Herzegovina.
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