Iraq and the United Arab Emirates will head into Tuesday’s second leg of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian Qualifiers Playoffs Knockout Stage with everything still to play for, after a tense and hard-fought 1–1 draw at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
The result leaves the two-legged tie perfectly balanced ahead of the return clash in Basra, where one of the two West Asian rivals will move a step closer to reaching the FIFA World Cup 2026. The aggregate winners will qualify for the FIFA Intercontinental Playoffs in March — the very last gateway to the expanded 48-team World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
A dream start for Iraq arrived in the 10th minute, when Amir Al Ammari’s dangerous free-kick created chaos inside the UAE penalty area. The loose clearance fell for Akam Hashim, who fired a low cross into the six-yard box, where Ali Al Hamadi reacted sharply to guide the ball home with a first-time finish.
However, the Iraqi celebrations were short-lived. In the 18th minute, the UAE responded with a flowing move down the right, culminating in Abdalla Ramadan delivering a teasing cross. Emerging at the perfect moment, Luanzinho powered a header past goalkeeper Jalal Hassan to bring the hosts level.
Iraq nearly retook the lead on 30 minutes, with Al Hamadi again causing problems. After weaving through the defence, his low attempt was brilliantly pushed wide by Khalid Eisa, who stood tall throughout the night.
The Emirates goalkeeper was called into action again shortly before halftime, tipping Mohanad Ali’s point-blank header over the bar after a precise delivery from Aimar Sher.
On the opposite end, Iraq’s Jalal Hassan denied Ramadan’s long-range effort just moments into the second half, maintaining parity in a gripping, end-to-end battle.
With both sides pushing for a winner, Eisa produced a spectacular flying save to deny Marko Farji, while Iraq substitute Aymen Hussein headed off-target in stoppage time.
The home crowd thought they had the winner deep into added time when Caio Lucas bundled the ball into the net, but the winger was ruled narrowly offside — leaving the score locked at 1–1.
The stage is now set for a massive showdown on Tuesday at Basra International Stadium, where one nation will earn the right to fight for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup via the Intercontinental Playoffs.
Credit Photo : UAEFA
