Friday, 03 April 2026
Friday, 03 April 2026
On the night of March 31 and April 1, football spilled out of stadiums and into streets across continents.
In Baghdad, crowds poured out waving flags and chanting after Iraq beat Bolivia 2-1 in the inter-confederation playoff, sealing a return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1986.
In Kinshasa, fans of the Democratic Republic of the Congo gathered around screens, reacting to every touch in their playoff against Jamaica.
When qualification was confirmed, the release was visible - cheers, disbelief, and people holding on to each other in crowded viewing spots.
The 100th-minute goal against Jamaica sent the African country back to the World Cup for the first time in more than half a century.
Across the country, people danced, yelled, and hugged each other in what became a rare moment of joy for a nation battered by conflict in its mineral-rich eastern region. The last time Congo participated in the World Cup was the 1974 edition in Germany.
Europe had its own night of firsts and returns. In Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina fans filled the space outside the stadium after their match against Italy as the country is making their World Cup appearance after 12 years.
Flares lit up the night sky, and chants rolled through the city.
Iraqis celebrate on the streets after Iraq defeated Bolivia 2-1 in the inter-confederation playoff to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1986, in Baghdad, Iraq, April 1, 2026.
Iraq players celebrate after qualifying for FIFA World Cup at Estadio Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico on March 31, 2026.
Democratic Republic of the Congo fans react as they gather to watch the FIFA World Cup Inter-Confederation Playoff match between DR Congo and Jamaica in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo March 31, 2026.
DR Congo players celebrate qualifying for the FIFA World Cup with fans at Estadio Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico on March 31, 2026.
A drone view of Bosnia and Herzegovina fans celebrating qualifying for the FIFA World Cup outside the stadium after the match between Bosnia and Herzegovina v Italy, in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina on April 1, 2026.
Bosnia and Herzegovina players and staff celebrate qualifying for the FIFA World Cup at Bilino Polje Stadium, Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina on March 31, 2026.
