.png)
After a thrilling journey through the Asian qualifiers, the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached one of its most decisive moments. The spotlight now falls on Abu Dhabi and Basra, where the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Iraq will face off in a tense two-legged showdown for Asia’s final playoff spot. The winner will advance to the intercontinental playoff, keeping their World Cup dream alive.
⚽ A Crucial Decider on the Road to 2026
The Asian qualifiers have already produced eight confirmed World Cup participants, but one final opportunity remains. Both the UAE and Iraq have navigated a demanding qualification journey filled with drama, resilience, and determination. Now, only one of them will emerge victorious to represent Asia — and the Arab world — in the global playoff stage.
The first leg is set to take place at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, November 13, 2025, while the second leg will be hosted in Basra, Iraq, on November 18, 2025. Both matches are expected to attract massive crowds and passionate support, symbolizing not just a football contest, but a clash of national pride.
🏟️ Match Details
-
Fixture: UAE vs Iraq – Asian Playoff (First Leg)
-
Venue: Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
-
Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
-
Kick-off: 7:30 PM (UAE Time)
-
Return Leg: Basra International Stadium, Iraq – November 18, 2025
🇦🇪 UAE: Searching for a Historic Return
The UAE national team, affectionately known as “Al Abyad” (The Whites), last appeared at the World Cup in 1990. Since then, the Emiratis have been dreaming of a return to football’s biggest stage. Under the leadership of their national coach, the team has combined experience with emerging talents like Ali Saleh and Khalifa Al Hammadi, blending tactical flexibility with attacking ambition.
Playing the first leg at home gives the UAE a psychological advantage. With strong fan support in Abu Dhabi, they’ll look to establish a lead before traveling to Iraq for the decisive second leg. Expect a possession-based game, focused on midfield control and quick transitions down the wings.
🇮🇶 Iraq: The Lions of Mesopotamia Roar Again
Iraq, known as the “Lions of Mesopotamia,” have a proud footballing history, including a World Cup appearance in 1986. They are driven by a passionate fan base and a rich legacy of producing technically skilled players. Under the guidance of Jesualdo Ferreira, the Iraqi team has shown significant improvement, with a disciplined defense and an efficient counter-attacking system.
The squad features standout names like Aymen Hussein, Bashar Resan, and Ali Adnan, who bring both experience and hunger to the field. Their strength lies in unity, physicality, and the ability to thrive under pressure — qualities that could prove decisive in the intense atmosphere of Basra.
🔥 What to Expect
The UAE will aim to dictate the tempo in Abu Dhabi, while Iraq will look to remain compact and strike on the counter. Both teams are evenly matched, making this tie nearly impossible to predict. Small details — such as set pieces, goalkeeping heroics, or a moment of brilliance — may ultimately decide who advances.
🎯 Prediction
It’s a duel that transcends sport, representing Arab pride on the Asian stage. The UAE may take a narrow first-leg lead at home, but Iraq’s resilience in the return match could tilt the balance.
Predicted Aggregate Score: Iraq 2 – 2 UAE (Iraq advance on away goals)