VIP tickets sell out early in Basra as crowds rush for crucial World Cup playoff

BASRA — Vendors at Basra Sports City said Sunday that VIP tickets, priced at 50,000 dinars ($35), sold out early ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup playoff second leg between Iraq and the United Arab Emirates, as thousands of fans lined up outside the stadium complex.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has directed authorities to fast-track entry for visiting Emirati supporters and urged Iraqi fans to welcome them “in a spirit of friendship and affection.”

The remaining ticket categories — 15,000, 20,000, and 30,000 dinars ($10, $14, and $21) — were still available by midday, though sellers said activity slowed sharply after a heavy sales rush in the morning.

One vendor said demand has been intense for days. “I sold more than 10,000 tickets yesterday, and 7,000 the day before,” he told 964media, noting that this count does not include other sales outlets in Basra or the allocations sent to Baghdad.

Sudani’s office said the prime minister instructed agencies “to facilitate the entry of Emirati fans to Iraq to attend the match between the Iraqi and Emirati national teams,” calling on Iraqi supporter groups to showcase hospitality and strengthen ties between the two countries.

The second leg, scheduled for Nov. 18 at Basra International Stadium, follows a 1-1 first leg draw in Abu Dhabi. The venue holds more than 65,000 spectators, and local officials expect a near-capacity crowd.

Iraq’s national team is intensifying training at Basra Sports City. Team media coordinator Salam al-Menasiri told the Iraqi News Agency the squad began preparations immediately upon arrival and that head coach Graham Arnold urged supporters to fill the stadium, saying the fans would serve as “the 12th player in this decisive match.”

Al-Menasiri said the staff and players are fully focused on the return leg and expressed hope that “the qualification ticket to the global playoff will come from Basra.”

Iraq reached the playoff round after a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia on Oct. 14 in Jeddah, a result that ended its hopes of direct qualification. The winner in Basra will advance to an inter-confederation playoff in March 2026 for a final World Cup berth.