BASRA,— Iraq kept its World Cup pursuit alive on Tuesday after defeating the United Arab Emirates 2 to 1 in Basra and taking the playoff series 3 to 2 on aggregate, media reported.

The result meant the UAE’s hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup slipped away in the final moments of stoppage time.

A lengthy period of added time produced the final breakthrough when Amir Al Ammari scored from the penalty spot in the seventeenth added minute, prompting loud celebrations around Basra International Stadium.

The penalty was awarded after substitute Mohanad Ali rose for a late header that struck the arm of defender Yahia Nader.

Referee Yusuke Araki consulted the touchline monitor before confirming the infringement. Al Ammari fired the penalty into the upper part of the goal while goalkeeper Khalid Eisa moved in the opposite direction, according to the stadium announcer.

Iraq had struggled to create chances for much of the contest and fell behind in the fifty second minute. Nader drove forward through midfield and supplied a pass to Caio Lucas, who controlled the ball and delivered a low finish past Iraqi goalkeeper Jalal Hassan.

The visitors almost added a second goal moments later when Nicolas Gimenez connected with a clean volley that rattled the crossbar. Hassan, marking his hundredth match for Iraq, was beaten on the play.

The home side responded through a set piece fourteen minutes later. Al Ammari curled a free kick from the left side into the six yard area where Ali met it with a header.

The ball redirected off Nader and crossed the line before Eisa could react, bringing Iraq level and energizing the crowd.

By the closing stages Iraq pushed forward repeatedly, seeking a goal that would tilt the series. The late penalty provided that opening.

The victory moves Iraq into the upcoming intercontinental playoff round, where six teams will compete for two remaining spots in the World Cup finals, according to tournament organizers.

Iraq is attempting to reach the tournament for the first time since 1986.

(With files from Reuters)

Copyright © 2025 Dubai Diplomacy. All rights reserved.

Your support matters! Consider buying us a coffee — every bit helps keep independent news alive.

Related posts:

UAE, Iraq draw keeps World Cup playoff result up in the air UAE, Iraq battle for last chance at World Cup dream Magnitude wins Dubai World Cup 2026 horse racing Iran builds covert Iraqi networks to strike UAE, Gulf states: Reuters UAE summons Iraq’s chargé d’affaires over attacks from Iraq UAE names Croatia’s Zlatko Dalic as new national football coach Iran, Iraq plotting large-scale attacks on UAE, and Gulf states, Rajabi says Drone that hit UAE nuclear plant was launched from Iraq: ministry