BAGHDAD: Iraq secured its place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Play-Off Tournament after defeating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) 2–1 at Basra International Stadium. The hosts delivered a strong performance, with Mohanad Ali and Amir Al Ammari finding the net to seal a crucial win. Caio Lucas scored the lone goal for the UAE.
The match came just days after Iraq and the UAE played out a draw in Abu Dhabi during the fifth round of the AFC qualifiers. This time, Iraq made the most of home advantage, capitalizing on key moments to move one step closer to returning to football’s biggest stage.
With this victory, Iraq joins DR Congo, Bolivia, and New Caledonia in the Play-Off Tournament, alongside two CONCACAF teams expected to be confirmed on Wednesday. The tournament, scheduled for March 2026 in Mexico, will see six teams compete for two coveted spots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States from June 11 to July 19.
Iraq will be aiming to secure just its second-ever World Cup appearance, having featured only once before—in Mexico in 1986. The UAE, meanwhile, misses another chance to add to its sole appearance in Italy in 1990.
