UAE, Iraq draw keeps World Cup playoff result up in the air

Where Diplomacy Meets News

UAE, Iraq draw keeps World Cup playoff result up in the air

November 14, 2025

BASRAH, Iraq,— Iraq and the United Arab Emirates played to a 1-1 draw Thursday in the first leg of their World Cup qualifying playoff, setting up a decisive return match in Basra on Tuesday.

Iraq took the early lead when Luton Town forward Ali Al-Hamadi scored in the 10th minute. The goal followed a free kick from Amir Al-Ammari that the UAE defense failed to clear.

Akam Hashim delivered a cross from the left, and Al-Hamadi finished with a right-footed shot into the net.

The UAE equalized just eight minutes later when Brazil-born midfielder Luanzinho headed home from Abdalla Ramadan’s cross from the right. The goal brought the match level, keeping the playoff open for the second leg.

Both teams are pursuing World Cup qualification for the first time in decades. Iraq last appeared at the tournament in Mexico in 1986, while the UAE made its sole appearance four years later in Italy.

The winner of the two-legged playoff will advance to an intercontinental playoff in March, which will decide the final team to join the expanded 48-nation World Cup set to take place next summer in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Iraq, coached by Graham Arnold, created several chances but were denied by UAE goalkeeper Khalid Eisa, who saved attempts from Al-Hamadi and Mohanad Ali.

Jalal Hassan, Iraq’s keeper, was also forced into a crucial stop early in the second half to keep out a long-range effort from Ramadan.

Late drama almost saw the UAE snatch a win when Caio Lucas bundled a ball over the line in the sixth minute of stoppage time. However, the goal was disallowed for a marginal offside.

The teams will meet again at Basra International Stadium on Tuesday, with both sides needing a positive result to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

(With files from Reuters)