Iraq loses to South Korea in crucial world cup qualifier match

NEWSROOM — Iraq’s national soccer team lost 3-2 to South Korea in a pivotal World Cup qualifying match at Yongin Mireu Stadium. The match was part of the AFC third-round qualifiers, where both teams fought for critical points.

South Korea opened the scoring in the 41st minute with a goal from Oh Se-Hun, assisted by Bae Jun-ho. Iraq equalized in the 50th minute when Aymen Hussein scored with an assist from Amjad Attwan.

However, South Korea regained control in the 74th minute with a goal from Hyeon-gyu Oh, followed by a header from Lee Jae-sung in the 83rd minute, bringing the score to 3-1. Iraq responded in stoppage time, with Ibrahim Bayesh narrowing the gap to 3-2 after an assist from Ali Jassim, but the late goal wasn’t enough for a comeback.

With this win, South Korea now leads the group with 10 points, while Iraq remains at 7 points.

Before the match, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani had ordered an early end to official working hours, allowing Iraqis to watch and support their national team.

Despite the loss, Iraq remains in contention as the AFC third-round qualifiers continue. The top two teams from each group automatically qualify for the World Cup, while third-place teams can advance through additional playoff rounds, including an inter-confederation playoff.