Bolivia
South American republic contesting the 2026 FIFA World Cup inter-confederation playoff final, seeking a first appearance since 1994.
Last refreshed: 29 March 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Can Bolivia end a 32-year World Cup absence against an opponent that nearly could not travel?
Latest on Bolivia
- Is Bolivia in the 2026 World Cup?
- Not yet. Bolivia reached the inter-confederation playoff final by beating Suriname 2-1 and faces Iraq on 31 March in Monterrey for one of the last qualifying places.Source: event
- When did Bolivia last play at a World Cup?
- 1994, in the United States. Bolivia lost all three group matches (against Germany, South Korea, and Spain). A 2026 qualification would end a 32-year absence.
- Who does Bolivia play in the World Cup playoff final?
- Iraq, on 31 March 2026 in Monterrey, Mexico. Iraq's squad assembled via chartered jets after the Iran conflict closed their airspace.Source: event
Background
Bolivia is a landlocked South American republic of 12 million people. The national football team, known as La Verde, last appeared at a World Cup in 1994 in the United States, where they lost all three group matches. Qualification has been a persistent struggle; Bolivia's high-altitude home advantage in La Paz (3,640m) has historically been their strongest competitive asset but counts for nothing at neutral venues.
Bolivia beat Suriname 2-1 in Guadalajara on 26 March 2026 to reach the inter-confederation playoff final , where they face Iraq in Monterrey on 31 March for one of the last places at the FIFA World Cup. Iraq's squad assembled via chartered jets after the Iran conflict closed their airspace .
A World Cup return after 32 years would be one of the stories of the 2026 tournament. Bolivia's opponent Iraq arrives under extraordinary wartime conditions, creating a final where sporting merit competes with one of the most dramatic logistical backstories in qualifying history.
