The death toll from a suicide bombing at a football stadium that was claimed by the Islamic State group has climbed to 41, with another 105 people wounded, Iraqi officials said.

The security and public health officials provided the updated toll on Saturday on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to brief reporters.

The bombing took place yesterday during a match in the small stadium in the city of Iskanderiyah, 30 miles from the capital, Baghdad.

IS claimed the attack, saying it had targeted Shiite militiamen.

The extremist group has lost ground in recent months in Iraq and Syria, but has struck back with a series of large attacks targeting civilians. IS claimed this week's attacks in Brussels, which killed 31 people.

People gather after a suicide bombing at a soccer field in Iskandariya.