Iraq vs. Bolivia Betting Tips, Odds & Predictions – World Cup 2026 Playoffs

Written By Dan Angell | Published at March 31, 2026

Jul 1, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Panama midfielder Carlos Harvey (16) celebrates after beating Bolivia during a Copa America group stage match at Inter&CO Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

If Bolivia can win this match, it might petition FIFA to play the World Cup in the United States every cycle. The Bolivians have qualified for one World Cup in the past 75 years, the 1994 edition in the U.S. Now, with the United States hosting again, victory in the Iraq vs. Bolivia match would see La Verde through to football’s greatest tournament.

Iraq has also long been a no-show at the World Cup. The Lions of Mesopotamia last qualified in 1986, also when CONCACAF hosted the tournament. That tournament was played in Mexico, the host nation for this qualifier. But despite being on friendly ground, Iraq is not in a good spot overall.

Iraq has not played a match since the Arab Cup in December, because of turmoil in the Middle East. It had to get a private plane just to get to Mexico, and having a bye might have worked against it. While Iraq was trying to sort itself out, Bolivia got a match under its belt by beating Suriname 2-1.

About the only thing the Asian side have in their favor is the location. These sides got assigned to Monterrey instead of Guadalajara, the latter of which is 4,000 feet higher in elevation. Bolivia is used to elevation at home; Iraq is not. Playing much closer to sea level in Monterrey gives Iraq a fighting chance.

Iraq vs. Bolivia Prediction

Best Bet: Over 2.5 Goals (4/3)

These are young, energetic sides, and the match is likely to open up as soon as the first goal comes. Bolivia struggles to score against better sides, but it’s likely to be comfortable against Iraq. Both of the Bolivians’ past two matches saw three goals scored, and Bolivia successfully overturned Suriname’s early goal to slide two home.

Iraq operates in similar fashion. The Lions of Mesopotamia failed to score against Algeria or Jordan, both of whom already qualified. But against lesser sides Sudan, Bahrain and United Arab Emirates, Iraq scored seven goals in four matches. Expecting these teams to combine for three goals makes sense.

Iraq vs. Bolivia Same Game Parlay

Bolivia moneyline

Over 2.5 Goals

Bolivia 2-1

Bolivia is the sharper side. La Verde looked good in the second half against Suriname, forced the issue and took control of the match when it mattered most. Iraq will have a harder time doing that after its travel issues and lack of match preparation.

An early goal for Bolivia is likely, which should allow the South Americans to dictate the terms of the match. Most likely, Bolivia will build a cushion before a late Iraqi goal comes in desperation. While it should make for a nervy few minutes, it shouldn’t be enough to keep Bolivia from returning to the World Cup.