Bolivia Beats Suriname, Faces Iraq for World Cup

Bolivia stuns Suriname with late comeback win in World Cup playoff

Bolivia comes from behind to beat Suriname 2-1 in inter-confederation playoff, setting up World Cup qualifying match against Iraq.

Late drama sees Bolivia edge Suriname 2-1 in World Cup qualifier...

Bolivia will face Iraq on Tuesday for a spot at the 2026 World Cup, after coming from behind to beat Suriname 2-1 in their inter-confederation playoff in Guadalupe, Mexico.

Bolivia dominated early on but struggled to break Suriname down, going a goal behind before mounting a comeback to win 2-1. 

Roberto Fernandez had a sitter outside the box, but Etienne Vaessen pulled off a stunning save, somehow getting a hand to the ball and deflecting it around the post.

Vaessen’s smart stop almost proved crucial not long after, but despite not having a defender in sight, Joel Piroe inexplicably sent his one-on-one high and wide. If supporters in attendance thought the Leeds United striker would have broken the deadlock, they surely were sure that Myenty Abena’s close-range shot had.

Guillermo Viscarra pulled off a stunning point-blank save, leaving the Suriname defender stunned and keeping the game goalless at half-time.

Suriname took the lead just three minutes into the second half, with Liam van Gelderen poking the ball past Bolivia goalkeeper Viscarra to spark wild celebrations.

🇧🇴 Bolivia advance to the #FIFAWorldCup Play-off Final in Monterrey! pic.twitter.com/CRatdLgKIN

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) March 27, 2026

Bolivia pushed for an equalizer, and Etienne Vaessen was called into action again, saving a straightforward shot from Miguel Terceros.

Bolivia turned the game around in the 72nd minute, with Moises Paniagua scoring to level it. Then, Abena's foul gifted them a penalty, and Terceros converted it to seal the win.

Bolivia are one win away from a World Cup return after 30 years, having last appeared in 1994.

Suriname, meanwhile, will have to wait another four years to chase their maiden World Cup spot.