Bolivia came from behind on Thursday to beat Suriname 2-1 in the semi-final of the interconfederation play-offs in Monterrey, keeping alive hopes of a first World Cup appearance since 1994 s4tg2ed.
The South Americans will battle Iraq in the play-off final on Tuesday for a place at the tournament in Group I, while Suriname’s bid to reach the final for the first time came to an end after surrendering its lead early in the second half.
Suriname struck three minutes after the restart when Liam van Gelderen reacted quickest to a chaotic goal, pouncing on a loose ball after keeper Guillermo Viscarra failed to gather or clear and tapped home from close range.
READ ALSO | FIFA World Cup play-offs: Gyokeres hat-trick helps Sweden beat Ukraine; Turkey borders Romania
Substitute Moises Paniagua drew Bolivia level in the 72nd minute, picking up a loose ball after a series of deflections and sending a toe-poke into the far corner.
Bolivia were then awarded a penalty after a foul by Myenty Abena on Juan Godoy, and Miguel Terceros stepped up to convert from the spot in the 79th minute, completing the turnaround for ‘La Verde’.
The match was played in front of a largely Bolivian crowd at the Estadio BBVA in Monterrey and was attended by FIFA president Gianni Infantino. This match offered a preview of a venue that would host four matches at the World Cup.
Published on March 27, 2026
