November 19 – Iraq have kept their 2026 World Cup hopes alive with a dramatic late finish, edging the UAE 3–2 on aggregate thanks to a penalty deep into the 107th minute in Basra.
Iraq now move into March’s six-team intercontinental play-off, chasing a return to the World Cup for the first time since 1986.
With the match seemingly bound for extra time and tension rising around Basra International Stadium, Iraq’s Amir Al-Ammari held his nerve after a lengthy VAR review and converted the decisive spot-kick to seal his side’s place in the intercontinental playoffs in March.
Whilst they had plenty to smile about come the final whistle, for much of the night, Iraq were under pressure. Caio Lucas put the UAE ahead early in the second half, and Nicolas Gimenez almost doubled the lead soon after with a volley that struck the bar. That close call shook Iraq back awake and allowed them to push themselves back into the contest.
Iraq’s Mohanad Ali headed in from a free-kick on 66 minutes and then found himself heavily involved, twice missing opportunities that might have put the tie beyond reach.
The decisive moment arrived in stoppage time when Ali’s header struck the arm of Yahia Nader – a foul which referee Yusuke Araki initially waved off but overturned his decision after being called to the pitchside monitor. Al-Ammari then dispatched the resulting penalty with authority, triggering celebrations that continued long after the final whistle.
For a side that exited the 2024 Asian Cup earlier than expected, crashing out in the Round of 16 at the hands of eventual underdog finalists Jordan, this was a reminder that Iraq’s team still has life in it to reach the world’s biggest stage next summer.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at [email protected]
