Iraq 2-1 UAE Highlights, FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC Qualifiers: Lions Of Mesopotamia Seal Victory With Late Penalty

Good evening football fans. Exciting leg 2 on the cards between Iraq and UAE at the Basra International Stadium. The match will kick-off at 9:30PM (IST). Stay tuned for the build-up, latest updates, playing XIs and play-by-play commentary from the match.

Fixture: Iraq Vs UAE, AFC FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers 5th round, 2nd leg

Venue: Basra International Stadium

Date: Tuesday, November 138, 2025

Live Streaming: FanCode app/website

UAE haven’t travelled well lately, losing three of their last five World Cup qualifiers away from home (W1, D1). Meanwhile, Iraq have struck first in four of their previous six outings, including that opener in the first leg against the UAE.

Iraq squandered several chances in the first leg and had to settle for a 1–1 draw against the UAE, but they’ll back themselves to deliver a stronger performance tonight. Having narrowly missed direct qualification, the Lions of Mesopotamia now push for an inter-confederation playoff spot as they chase a long-awaited World Cup return.

Iraq Starting XI: Jalal Hassan Hachim, Akam Rahman, Zaidd Tahseen, Merchas Doski, Hussein Ali, Amir Al-Ammari, Aimar Sher, Ali Jasim, Marko Lawk Farji, Sherko Kareem, Aymen Hussein

UAE Starting XI: Khalid Eisa, Kouame Autonne, Lucas Pimenta, Ruben Canedo, Alaeddine Zouhir, Marcus Meloni, Yahia Nader, Bruno, Luan Pereira, Caio, Nicolás Gimenez

And we’re underway! The tension is palpable as Iraq and the UAE start this decisive World Cup playoff clash. The stadium buzzes with energy, and every pass and move carries huge significance tonight.

Early pressure from the UAE! They’ve already taken two shots in the opening minutes, with one testing the Iraqi goalkeeper. Iraq look sluggish so far and must find their rhythm quickly to stay in the contest.

Iraq still struggling to settle. They’re losing possession too easily and look stretched across the pitch. The UAE are probing patiently, and if they exploit these gaps, an early goal could be on the cards.

First 20 minutes gone. Iraq have had two efforts, but both missed the target. UAE’s high press worked well early on, forcing errors, but their intensity has dropped slightly, giving Iraq a bit more space now.

Hachim shines for Iraq! The goalkeeper has been outstanding, keeping his team in the game with two crucial saves from UAE’s attempts. Calm and composed, he’s been the standout performer so far.

Brief stoppage as Ruben Amaral receives treatment after a heavy challenge. Play resumes, but UAE must ramp up the tempo and intensity if they hope to break the deadlock before halftime. Only five minutes left in the first half.

Half-time with both sides tied at the break.

Yahya Nader bursts past Iraq’s defense with a dazzling solo run and lays it off to Caio Lucas, who finishes calmly. A brilliant combination of skill, courage, and precision!

Iraq respond with fresh legs. Iqbal and Meme come on to inject energy and try to turn the game around. UAE hold the lead but will need to control the midfield to stay comfortable.

Mohanad Ali rises unmarked from a free kick and heads it past the keeper to level the score. The Lions of Mesopotamia are back in the game, what a response.

Momentum shifts to Iraq. The substitutions have revitalized the Lions of Mesopotamia, who are now controlling the game and pressing for a winner. UAE look rattled, with their coach urging tactical adjustments as the final minutes approach.

Tight contest continues. Only five chances so far, two for Iraq and three for UAE. With 10 minutes remaining, a draw would send this playoff clash to extra time and possibly penalties.

Close call for UAE! Caio Lucas finds the net, but the goal is ruled out for offside. The Falcons nearly regain the lead, while tensions flare and Iraq’s defense looks shaky under pressure.

Ten minutes added in Basra. The pace has slowed, favoring Iraq, who were struggling earlier. UAE are finding it hard to break through as the Lions of Mesopotamia disrupt their rhythm effectively.

Tensions high as Kouame Kouadio picks up a yellow. The aggregate is locked at 2‑2. Both teams push cautiously, balancing attack and caution, any mistake now could decide the outcome before extra time.

Brilliant opportunity wasted by Iraq. Mohanad Ali gets on the end of a precise cross from the right but slices it over the bar from close range. A golden chance gone begging for the Lions of Mesopotamia.

Penalty check for Iraq. A corner sees a header strike Nader’s arm before Eissa makes the save. Officials are reviewing the incident carefully to determine if a spot-kick should be awarded to the Lions of Mesopotamia.

Penalty drama in Basra. After a lengthy review and heated discussions, Iraq changed their penalty taker at the last moment. Amir Al‑Ammari kept his cool and calmly converted, giving the Lions of Mesopotamia a crucial advantage.

Heartbreak for the UAE. The Falcons looked dominant in the first half, controlling possession and creating chances, even taking the lead after the break. But Iraq’s substitutes changed the game entirely. Mohanad Ali headed in a superb equaliser from a set piece, swinging momentum.

Caio Lucas thought he had restored UAE’s advantage, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. Then, a costly VAR decision on Yahya Nader’s handball handed Iraq a late penalty, which they calmly converted. From leading the game to losing in the dying moments, it’s a painful and cruel exit for a committed UAE side.

The Lions of Mesopotamia staged a stunning turnaround in Basra thanks to Graham Arnold’s inspired substitutions. Amir Al‑Ammari held his nerve to calmly convert the decisive late penalty, sending Iraq through to the intercontinental playoff. Their dream of reaching the World Cup for the first time since 1986 remains alive, and the stadium erupts in celebration.