Iraq books intercontinental playoff spot after penalty 17 minutes into added time

BASRA — Iraq moved one step closer to the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday after a 2–1 win over the United Arab Emirates at Basra International Stadium, earning a berth in the intercontinental playoff scheduled for March in Mexico.

The UAE opened the scoring in the 52nd minute through Caio Lucas. Iraq equalized in the 66th minute when Mohanad Ali headed the ball into the net, restoring hopes of advancing. Deep in extra time, the referee awarded a penalty for a handball inside the box. Amir al-Ammari converted in the 90+17 minute with a shot into the right corner, triggering celebrations across the stadium.

With the victory, Iraq advanced to the intercontinental playoff and kept its campaign for the 2026 finals alive. Iraq also secured a favorable path in the playoff after Panama’s 3–0 win over El Salvador and Costa Rica’s draw with Honduras improved Iraq’s position among higher-seeded teams. Under the tournament format, the top-ranked sides receive direct entry to the final playoff round, while lower-ranked teams must first compete in semi-final fixtures.

Iraq last competed at the World Cup 39 years ago. Its first and only appearance ended in the group stages.

National team coach Graham Arnold said “we are one step away from reaching the World Cup,” telling reporters, “we have to work from today on building a real national team capable of competing with the best teams in the world.” He added, “I thank the fans who were here today, and I promise them to build a team they will be proud of at the World Cup,” noting, “we will continue to work to bring in the best players and exclude those who were poor, because the World Cup will not be a picnic.”

Goalkeeper and captain Jalal Hassan called for an immediate shift toward the next challenge. “Today we were men on the pitch and achieved what was required, and this is what our fans deserve,” he said. “We have to forget the match and think about the playoff,” adding, “we will win and achieve the dream of the people by qualifying for the World Cup.”

Forward Ayman Hussein said reaching the playoff stage was the essential objective. “We achieved the most important thing, which is qualifying for the intercontinental playoff, and we are getting closer to the World Cup,” he said. “It does not matter how we qualify, what matters is that we qualify.”

Senior officials congratulated the team. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani wrote, “congratulations to our dear Iraqi people and our sports fans for our national team’s win over its Emirati brother and its qualification for the decisive continental playoff for the 2026 World Cup.” President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid said, “congratulations to the heroes of our national team and our sports fans and all Iraqis for qualifying to the [intercontinental playoff.” Speaker of Parliament Mahmood al-Mashhadani said the victory “reflects the will of Iraq’s players and their competitive spirit,” praising Basra governorate, the Iraqi Football Association, and government support for helping present “an honorable image of Iraq” during the match.