UAE and Iraq draw 1-1 in first leg of 2026 World Cup qualifying play-off

The United Arab Emirates and Iraq drew 1-1 in the first leg of their 2026 World Cup qualifier in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

The teams travel to the Iraqi port city of Basra on Tuesday for the return match in the fifth round of the Asian qualification.

The winner will then advance to FIFA’s intercontinental play-off round in March, where six teams from five confederations will compete for two spots in the expanded 48-team World Cup to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer.

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In front of a sold-out crowd of 36,000 people in the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Iraq – whose only World Cup appearance was in 1986 – took the lead after ten minutes.

The UAE defense failed to get a long free-kick into the area, allowing the ball to fall to Ali Al-Hamadi. The Luton forward fired in from close range to give Iraq, coached by former Australian manager Graham Arnold, a 1-0 lead.

It only took eight minutes. Brazilian-born striker Luanzinho headed a header into the bottom corner to put the UAE level ahead as the home side chased their first World Cup appearance since 1990.

The UAE almost grabbed a late winner in stoppage time but Caio Lucas’ header was ruled out for offside.

Published on November 14, 2025