UAE taking on Iraq in the first leg of the World Cup 2026 AFC Qualifiers, round 5 for a spot in the play-off
World Cup 2026 AFC Qualifiers: UAE v Iraq Prediction as two fallen sides from Round 4 of the AFC World Cup 2026 Qualifiers will clash for a lifeline spot in the intercontinental play-off.
The UAE will host Iraq in the first leg of Round 5 as both teams look to redeem themselves after missing out in the previous qualifying stage.
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UAE defeated Oman 2–1 to briefly top Group A in Round 4 of the AFC World Cup Qualifiers. However, they missed a golden opportunity to secure direct qualification after losing to Qatar — a match where even a draw would have been enough to send them through to the 2026 Finals.
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Meanwhile, Iraq’s goalless draw against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah was not enough, forcing them to watch their rivals advance in bitter disappointment.
All roads now lead to this decisive West Asian showdown between UAE and Iraq on November 13 and 18 — two legs that will determine who claims the region’s sole ticket to the intercontinental play-off next year.
AFC World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Round 5: UAE vs Iraq – Match Details
- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers – AFC
- Venue: Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium (Abu Dhabi)
- Time: 23:00, 13 November 2025
Match Context
The United Arab Emirates suffered a heartbreaking defeat last month against Qatar in Al Rayyan, a loss that complicated their path to the World Cup but didn’t end it. With a tough second leg in Basra on November 18 awaiting them, Al Abyad know they must perform at their best and secure a positive result on home soil at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium. A strong home record will lift their confidence — UAE have gone over a year unbeaten at home, with four wins and two draws since their last loss (0-1 to Iran in September 2024).
If coach Cosmin Olaroiu, who took charge in April this year, can lead his side to World Cup glory, it would mark the UAE’s first qualification since Italia ’90 — their only appearance on the global stage. Iraq, meanwhile, shares a similar World Cup story, having reached the Finals only once, at Mexico ’86.
What to expect from this all-star clash
This matchup promises a tactical battle between two teams with contrasting styles. UAE prefer to dominate possession, exploiting space through the flanks and half-spaces with quick interchanges. Iraq rely on structured mid-block pressing and lethal counterattacks, capitalizing on second balls and quick transitions. Set-pieces and recovery plays will likely decide the outcome.
If UAE can control the tempo and sustain their pressing, they might pin Iraq deep. But any turnover in midfield could see Iraq launch a lightning-fast counter — a trademark weapon that has repeatedly made the difference in previous qualifying rounds.
Recent Form (last 5 matches)
UAE: 2W 2D 1L – The hosts have won two, drawn one, and lost two of their last five, keeping only one clean sheet. At home, though, they remain solid, unbeaten with one win and one draw in their last two.
Iraq: 2W 1D 2L – The visitors have struggled for consistency, losing twice in their last five. Recent slip-ups, including a draw against Indonesia and a loss to Palestine, have raised doubts about their sharpness and stability.
Head-to-Head Record
Iraq hold the upper hand in recent meetings. Over their last five encounters, Iraq have two wins and two draws, while UAE have just one victory. In their previous clash in Group A back in 2022, Iraq edged the UAE 1–0 at King Fahd Stadium.
In their last three home games against Iraq, UAE have managed one win and two draws. Clean sheets have been rare — just once in January 2021 — while conceding six goals in those five matches.
Prediction & Analysis
UAE are expected to dominate possession and attack through the flanks, while Iraq will look to hit back with fast transitions and early crosses. Based on recent matchups and squad balance, Iraq appear slightly better positioned to take control. Expect a close contest with limited goals but high intensity throughout.
Prediction: UAE 1–2 Iraq
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