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

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

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The bombing took place Friday during a match in the small stadium in the city of Iskanderiyah, 50 kilometres from the capital, Baghdad. IS claimed the attack, saying it had targeted Shi’ite 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.

Video: the moments before the bombing

At least 60 people were killed earlier this month in an attack claimed by Islamic State 80km further south, in Hilla, when an explosives-laden fuel tanker slammed into an Iraqi security checkpoint.

An apparent escalation of large bombings targeting areas outside Islamic State’s primary control suggests that Iraqi government forces may be stretched thin after recent gains against the group in the western and northern provinces.