The United Arab Emirates and Iraq have one final chance to keep their 2026 FIFA World Cup dreams alive in a two-leg series in the fifth round of Asian qualifying.
The first leg will be played in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, with the return leg set for Basra, Iraq, next Tuesday. The winner will advance to FIFA’s intercontinental playoffs in March, competing for one of the last two spots in the expanded 48-team tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“Our primary goal is to secure Iraq’s qualification to the World Cup, which would be a historic achievement for our nation,” Iraq coach Graham Arnold said. The 62-year-old Australian, who guided Australia to the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup, took charge of Iraq in March and is aiming to return the team to the tournament for the first time since 1986. “Qualifying through the playoffs is a historic opportunity, and we must seize it. Everyone representing Iraq must give their all,” he added.
In the third round, Iraq and UAE finished third in their groups, missing out on automatic qualification. Both teams again fell short in October’s fourth round, finishing second behind Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Arnold criticised the format, pointing out the advantages enjoyed by the group winners, including extended rest periods and home support. “Qatar had six days of rest, home support, and it made a huge difference,” he said, adding that he hopes the 60,000 fans expected in Basra can boost his team in the return leg.
UAE coach Cosmin Olaroiu expressed similar frustration over the fourth round but said his team is focused on Thursday’s sold-out match at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, where 36,000 spectators are expected. “We have to forget the Qatar match. We still have a chance to qualify, and we must make the most of it. Everyone has a role to play,” he said.
Asia has eight automatic spots for the 2026 World Cup, already claimed by Japan, South Korea, Australia, Iran, Uzbekistan, Jordan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. The UAE and Iraq now fight for a final opportunity to reach FIFA’s intercontinental playoffs and keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Source: AP