Darjal apologizes after Iraq’s qualifier loss to South Korea, vows comeback through playoffs

BAGHDAD — Iraqi Football Association President Adnan Darjal apologized to the public Friday after Iraq’s 2-0 home loss to South Korea ended their hopes of direct qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, vowing that the team will bounce back in the playoff round.

In a message marking Eid al-Adha, Darjal said the defeat would serve as “a source of strength” and promised that Iraq would “achieve this dream” in October.

“We will make every effort in the next stage to secure one of the qualification tickets through the playoff,” he said. “Our project is World Cup qualification, and we promise to realize this dream.”

Iraq entered Thursday’s match in Basra needing a win to stay in contention for an automatic qualifying spot, but an early red card for striker Ali Al-Hamadi in the 26th minute left the team with 10 men. Second-half goals by Kim Jin-gyu and Oh Hyeon-gyu sealed South Korea’s victory.

The result left Iraq third in Group B with one match remaining, guaranteeing a place in the next qualifying round but ruling out a top-two finish. Iraq faces Jordan next, with a playoff berth already secured.

“Yesterday’s loss will become a source of strength, determination, and persistence in achieving future victories,” Darjal said, urging fans not to lose faith. “What we want, we will achieve together.”