Iraq defeats UAE in World Cup playoff decider

Iraq defeated the UAE 2-1 in the second leg of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff to progress to the Intercontinental Playoffs with a 3-2 aggregate victory.

Amir Al Ammari’s penalty 17 minutes into stoppage time secured a dramatic win for Iraq in Basra.

Al Ammari hit the winner after teammate Mohanad Ali had struck in the 65th minute to cancel out Caio Lucas’ 52nd minute opener for the visitors in front of a packed out stadium.

The win keeps Iraq’s FIFA World Cup dream alive as the country attempts to qualify for the finals for the first time since 1986 by booking a place in the Playoffs, which will be held in March.

The top two teams in the Intercontinental Playoffs will clinch the final two slots at the expanded 48-team World Cup.