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From the latest transfer news, quizzes, videos, features and interviews with the biggest names in the game, plus lots more.Signup +Once a week...And its LIVE!Sign up to our FREE live football newsletter, tracking all of the biggest games available to watch on the device of your choice. Never miss a kick-off!Signup +Join the clubGet full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.Explore An account already exists for this email address, please log in.Subscribe to our newsletterRene Meulensteen has faced plenty of high-stakes matches over his long coaching career - but he believes none may be more meaningful in a wider sense than his next one.The former Manchester United assistant manager and Fulham boss served as the right-hand man to Australia manager Graham Arnold throughout his time in charge of the Socceroos from 2018 to 2024, and last year linked back up with him in the same role with Iraq.Just one game now stands between Iraq and a place at the World Cup for the first time since 1986 - an inter-confederation play-off final against Bolivia on Tuesday evening.Article continues below You may like Iraq World Cup 2026 squad: Graham Arnold's latest selection ahead of the World Cup qualifying inter-confederation play-offs World Cup 2026 Playoffs: The complete guide Suriname World Cup 2026 squad: Henk ten Cate's first selection ahead of the World Cup qualifying inter-confederation play-offs Rene Meulensteen desperate to give Iraq something to celebrateMeulensteen told FourFourTwo: "Its a chance to put [Iraq] on a global stage not associated with war and conflict."The people are fanatical about football and theyve suffered so much in their recent history. Truth be told, its a miracle were where we are."Iraq's qualification for the inter-confederation play-off was sealed thanks to a dramatic 107th-minute penalty against the UAE in front of 62,000 fans in Basra.Meulensteen it was tense watching Amir Al-Ammari step up to take that penalty, saying: "It's hard to describe you had to be there! Unbearable is probably the word Id use Graham couldnt watch.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over."The hopes and dreams of 47 million people in Iraq and the 10 million who live in other parts of the world were on his shoulders."When 62,000 people around you are losing their heads and minds, you need to remain calm and focused. I dont need to tell you what the celebrations were like!"Iraq's place in the FIFA world rankings meant they were seeded straight into the play-off final, while Suriname and Bolivia played out a semi-final on Thursday night to determine their opponents. What to read next How to watch World Cup Qualifiers 2026 Stream play-off matches for free Bolivia World Cup 2026 squad: Oscar Villegas' latest selection ahead of the World Cup qualifying inter-confederation play-offs If Ireland can get to the play-off final, Id give them a 90 per cent chance of qualifying Terry Phelan on Irelands World Cup play-off hopes Bolivia came from behind to win that game 2-1, setting up a clash with Iraq - and Meulensteen has just one wish for that game.He said: "Bolivia are virtually unbeatable playing at home because opponents cant deal with the altitude, but our play-off is in Monterrey in Mexico, so its a level playing field."This will be our 21st qualifier for the tournament, which is crazy. FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation need to streamline the process its not fair on players and its a financial burden for the federation."Also, I dont think I could handle another penalty shootout. I was part of the last intercontinental play-offs when Australia beat Peru on penalties in 2022 Ive had enough drama to last me a lifetime!"The winners of that game will face a tough test in the group stage of the World Cup: they have been drawn into Group I alongside France, Senegal and Norway.TOPICSRene MeulensteenWorld CupWorld Cup 2026Steven ChickenSocial Links NavigationSteven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication,WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.With contributions fromImran Azam
