Iraq kept their 2026 World Cup dream alive with a gripping 2-1 victory over the UAE in Basra on Tuesday night, sealing a 3–2 aggregate triumph and a place in the intercontinental play-offs. A 100th-minute penalty from Amir Al-Ammari brought the Basra International Stadium to a deafening roar as 65,000 fans celebrated wildly while UAE players collapsed in disbelief.
The win moves the Lions of Mesopotamia into the six-team FIFA Play-Off Tournament in March, where two final spots for the 2026 World Cup will be determined. The UAE, who had carried genuine momentum into the tie, saw their campaign end in painful fashion following a stoppage-time VAR handball decision.
Arnold Admits He Could Not Watch the Decisive Moment
Iraq head coach Graham Arnold, appointed in May with the clear mandate of guiding the nation through this high-stakes phase, revealed just how overwhelming the drama had become.
I couldn't watch the moment amid the unbearable tension. We are one step closer to another World Cup miracle. The players showed incredible character to come from behind against a very good UAE side. Tonight, Basra delivered the 12th man we needed.
UAE’s Fight Ends in Silence
Inside the UAE dressing room, the mood was one of total devastation. Manager Cosmin Olăroiu had urged his team to survive the expected Iraqi pressure, and for most of the match they accomplished exactly that until the final seconds turned the night upside down.
The match opened at full speed, powered by the intense atmosphere the Basra crowd calls the Palm Trunk. The UAE nearly stunned the stadium early when Bruno de Oliveira pounced on hesitation between Akam Hashim and goalkeeper Jalal Hassan, curling his shot just wide of the far post.
UAE captain Khalid Eisa was exceptional, especially when he reacted brilliantly to tip Ali Jasim’s curling corner away from underneath the crossbar shortly before halftime.
Caio Lucas Strikes First
The breakthrough came seven minutes into the second half. Yahia Nader, who had been strong until the final minutes, split Iraq’s midfield and released Caio Lucas. The forward, who had struggled with timing earlier, took a single touch before volleying accurately into the far corner to silence the stadium and give the UAE a 2–1 advantage on aggregate.
Before kickoff, Arnold had insisted that tactical adjustments would decide the match. As soon as Iraq conceded, he made a double substitution in the 56th minute, including bringing on Mohanad Ali to lift the tempo.
Iraq Hit Back as Fresh Legs Shift the Momentum
The changes paid off quickly. In the 65th minute, Ali attacked an Al-Ammari free-kick that bounced into the net. Replays indicated a final touch from Nader, but the goal stood and the stadium exploded with renewed belief. Arnold used four substitutions while Olaroiu made only three, and that difference helped Iraq sustain pressure in the final stages.
Basra Holds Its Breath in a Chaotic Finale
The final moments swung wildly. Nicolás Giménez rattled the crossbar with a powerful long-range attempt. Moments later, Caio Lucas thought he had restored the UAE lead, but the assistant’s flag ended the celebrations.
With the clock well past the 90th minute and extra time approaching, an Iraqi corner struck the hand of Yahia Nader. After a long VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty.
Al-Ammari stepped up and showed complete composure. He sent Khalid Eisa the wrong way and placed the ball into the top corner, completing the comeback and setting off unforgettable celebrations.
What Comes Next
Iraq now move into the intercontinental play-offs in March, joining Bolivia, DR Congo, New Caledonia and two teams from CONCACAF in the final push for a World Cup place.
