Iraq 2-1 UAE (Agg 3-2)
Match Information
- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers – AFC (Fifth Round)
- Stadium: Basra International Stadium (Basrah)
- Date: 18 Nov 2025
Our Iraq vs UAE highlights showcase key moments from the AFC World Cup Qualifiers playoff in Basrah.
A late penalty from Amir Al-Ammari in added time secured Iraq’s 3-2 aggregate win.
Iraq advanced to the Interconfederation playoffs, keeping their World Cup hopes alive.
It was the second leg of the two teams’ series in the AFC World Cup Qualifiers for both second-placers in their groups.
Iraq and UAE battled to a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Abu Dhabi on November 13, 2025.
Iraq vs UAE highlights saw scoreless first half before scoring picked up late
Both teams played to a scoreless first half in Basrah.
However, action picked up after halftime, when Caio Lucas scored over Jalal Hassan to give UAE the 1-0 lead in the 52nd minute.
Meme equalized for Iraq in the 66th minute.
The match needed extra time after that, with the Lions of Mesopotamia finally landing a breakthrough.
Al-Ammari scored the decisive penalty in extra time for Iraq.
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Iraqis had enough ball possessions, numbers to hold off UAE
Iraq had enough control of ball possessions and got most of the numbers to post the win.
The Lions of Mesopotamia had more possessions (51%-49%), action areas (27.70-24.30), and ball safety (50-45).
The hosts had more crosses (21-10), dangerous attacks (45-34), and saves (3-1).
Post-match statistics also showed the Iraqis forcing the UAE into five offsides, compared to one by the hosts.
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Arnold credits Iraqi home fans as ’12th man’ in momentous win
UAE vs Iraq would not have a positive outcome for the hosts if not for their rabid home fans.
Coach Graham Arnold acknowledged them on the eve of the match, citing the Iraqis’ 65,000-strong fans.
He recalled playing as visitors in Abu Dhabi in the first leg, and they still have lots of fans.
“We need the fans to be the 12th man and make it more difficult for the UAE,” Arnold told Arab News.
“We played in Abu Dhabi and the stadium was just over half (the capacity of the Basra International Stadium), so for a lot of the UAE players it will be interesting here with 65,000 (fans),” he added.
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Lions of Mesopotamia keep World Cup hopes alive, seek just second appearance
Iraq kept its World Cup hopes alive by advancing to next year’s Intercontinental playoffs.
This means the Lions of Mesopotamia are still attempting to reach their second World Cup appearance.
The last time Iraq qualified for football’s biggest show was in 1986.
That came in 1986, when the Iraqis placed 23rd in the Group Stage.
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Arnold’s side to represent AFC in Interconfederation playoffs
Thus, Iraq will represent Asia in the Interconfederation playoffs, the last option for teams to reach the 48-team World Cup cast.
Arnold’s side will join Bolivia (CONMEBOL), New Caledonia (Oceania), and the Democratic Republic of Congo (CAF) in the playoffs.
The final round of the CONCACAF qualifiers will determine the other two playoff spots.
Jamaica and Panama are the favorites to qualify for the mini-tournament.
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World Cup stint remains elusive for UAE after loss
The result was tough for the UAE after its fighting draw in Abu Dhabi.
Al-Abyad were seeking only their second World Cup appearance with a victory.
The last time the UAE qualified for football’s biggest showcase was in 1990, in Italy.
At that time, Al-Abyad placed 24th in the Group Stage.
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