Iraq Snatch Late Win To Reach 2026 World Cup Play-Offs

By AUGUSTUS ISICHEI

IRAQ booked their place in the intercontinental play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic 2–1 win over the UAE in Basra, sealing a 3–2 aggregate triumph.

The match exploded into chaos deep into stoppage time—17 minutes into added time—when Amir Al-Ammari buried a VAR-awarded penalty to complete Iraq’s comeback and revive their World Cup dream, last realised in 1986.

The UAE had struck first in the 52nd minute through Caio Lucas, but Iraq fought back. Substitute Mohanad Ali headed in Al-Ammari’s free-kick to equalise, then missed two late chances before VAR intervened for handball. Al-Ammari held his nerve, sending the Basra fans into wild celebration.

Iraq now move into the six-team inter-confederation play-offs alongside Bolivia, New Caledonia and DR Congo. Two more teams will join after the final round of CONCACAF qualifiers, with Jamaica and Panama currently in pole position.