World Cup: 48 Teams Set for Global Soccer Chaos

0:00It's April 1st. You're listening to Global News today. AI-powered coverage from around the world. I'm Cory with the story. The 40-18 feel for the biggest World Cup ever is now locked in after over two and a half years of qualifiers. Iraq grabbed the final spot with a 2-1 win over Bolivia in an intercontinental playoff in Monterey, Mexico. Bosnia and Herzegovina pulled off a massive upset, knocking out Italy on penalties to advance, too. Earlier this week, Congo edged Jamaica 1-0 in extra time at Guadalajara to snag another spot. In Europe, Sweden beat Poland 3-2, Turkey top Kosovo, 1-0, and the Czech Republic outlasted Denmark in a shootout, filling out the last places. Italy's out for a third straight tournament, which has fans reeling from that shock loss. Bosnia joins Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland in Group B. While Sweden lands in Group F, with the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia, a tough draw for there. First trip back since 2006. Turkey heads to Group D alongside the United States, Paraguay, and Australia.

1:07The Czechs make their return since 2006 in Group A with Mexico, South Africa, and South Korea. Iraq slats into Group 1 with France, Norway, and Senegal. All this sets the stage for the tournament kicking off June 11th, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada across 12 groups of 4 pure global soccer chaos ahead.