For Iraq and the UAE, the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has shrunk to a single, decisive night in Basra. After a tense 1-1 draw in Abu Dhabi last week, the second leg of their intercontinental play-off qualifier arrives with the tie balanced perfectly. With no away-goals rule and no margin for hesitation, this is 90 minutes, and possibly extra time or penalties, to stay alive.
Victory sends the winner into a six-team play-off that includes Congo, Bolivia, New Caledonia and two teams from CONCACAF. Only two nations from that final group will ultimately claim the last World Cup places in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
A Steep Challenge in Front of 60,000
The UAE showed steel in the first leg after responding quickly to Ali Al Hamadi’s opener through Luan Pereira. But Basra presents a far sterner test. Iraq will play in front of more than 60,000 passionate supporters and carry strong home form into the tie.
To counter the expected wall of noise, the UAE Football Association arranged eight charter flights to bring 5,000 Emirati supporters to Basra. Iraqi authorities, backed by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, promised a warm welcome and fast-track entry procedures in a thoughtful gesture that mirrored the hospitality offered by the UAE in the first leg.
Olăroiu: “It Is a Match Between 11 Players. We Must Show Determination.”
UAE head coach Cosmin Olăroiu did not shy away from the weight of the moment.
We are facing a very important match, and we are aware of the difficulties we may encounter. We must correct the mistakes from our past, and everyone in the team is well-aware of it.
Showing appreciation for Iraq’s welcome while acknowledging the challenge ahead, he added: “We thank the Iraqis for their warm welcome, and expect a large crowd tomorrow. Of course, they have the advantage of playing at home, but in the end, it is a match between 11 players on each side. We must have the necessary determination to achieve our goal in a match of this importance. It is natural that we will face significant pressure from the fans, and it is our role to know how to deal with such pressure.”
After the first leg, Olăroiu moved quickly to strengthen his squad by including Al Nasr defender Gustavo Alex, while maintaining trust in Fabio Lima, Majed Hassan and the influential Pereira.
Iraq Forced Into a Key Change
While the UAE completed their preparations at Zayed Sports City before flying to Basra, Iraq faced their own setback. Al Hamadi, who scored in the first leg, was ruled out through injury. Australian coach Graham Arnold called up Ammar Mohsen as cover, altering Iraq’s attacking plans just days before kickoff.
A Rivalry Thick With History
Tonight marks the 33rd meeting between the two nations across all competitions. Iraq hold 11 wins to the UAE’s nine, with 12 matches drawn, including last week’s encounter. This will be their eighth meeting in World Cup qualifying. Iraq have won three of the previous seven, the UAE have won two, and two ended in draws.
Khaled Eisa: “It Is the Match of a Lifetime”
Goalkeeper Khaled Eisa, seated beside his coach during the pre-match press conference, underlined both gratitude and determination. He thanked Iraq for the warm welcome, then shifted his attention to the enormity of the task.
We know the Iraqi team well and respect them, but our team is more ambitious, and knows exactly what is expected of us. It will be a tough match for both sides, and small details will decide the fate. It is the match of a lifetime.
He also issued a clear message to the travelling fans. “God willing, our fans will return home happy. I will tell them to support us throughout the match, until the last minute, and we must remain united and cohesive. We will give it our everything to achieve the end goal.”
Everything Comes Down to Basra
For the UAE, a victory keeps alive the hope of reaching a second World Cup, their first since 1990. For Iraq, a return to global football’s biggest stage would mark a powerful moment for a team and a fan base driven by passion and pride.
As the night settles over Basra and the noise inside the stadium rises, both teams step into a contest defined by belief, discipline and nerve. The journey has been long. The stakes are enormous. Everything comes down to this.
