Canada is set to kick off the FIFA World Cup in June against Bosnia-Herzegovina, who secured their spot by defeating Italy in a penalty shootout during a World Cup qualifier playoff final. The upcoming tournament will also feature Qatar and Switzerland in Group B. Italy, ranked 12th by FIFA, was the favored team with a rich World Cup history but failed to qualify for the last two tournaments.
Bosnia-Herzegovina, ranked 66th, hosted the playoff game and will make their second World Cup appearance after participating in Brazil in 2014. Led by captain Edin Dzeko, Bosnia-Herzegovina clinched their spot by overcoming Wales on penalties. The World Cup will be hosted in various cities across Canada, the United States, and Mexico, starting with matches in Mexico City and Guadalajara on June 11, with the final scheduled for July 19 in East Rutherford, N.J.
Iraq secured the final spot in the World Cup by defeating Bolivia 2-1 in Monterrey, Mexico, ending a 40-year absence from the event. Ali Almahadi, Moises Paniagua, and Aymen Hussein were the goal scorers for Iraq, who will compete in Group I alongside France, Norway, and Senegal. Iraq’s last World Cup appearance was in 1986, and they will face Norway, France, and Senegal in their group matches in June.
Congo also secured their place in the World Cup by defeating Jamaica 1-0 with a goal in extra time. Axel Tuanzebe scored the deciding goal, sending Congo to the tournament for the first time under that name. Congo will join Group K and face Colombia, Portugal, and Uzbekistan in the upcoming World Cup matches. Jamaica’s team, the Reggae Boyz, missed out on a chance to make their second World Cup appearance.