The UAE vs Iraq meet in a historic two-legged playoff on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, with the winner advancing to the FIFA intercontinental playoff for a final chance to reach the 2026 World Cup.
This crucial encounter represents both nations’ final opportunity to qualify for the expanded 48-team tournament, with Iraq seeking their first World Cup appearance in four decades and the UAE desperately hoping to make their tournament debut after missing out on automatic qualification.
The atmosphere in Abu Dhabi promises to be electric, with home advantage providing crucial psychological edge for the Whites against the Lions of Mesopotamia.
UAE vs Iraq Match Information, Prediction, H2H and Where to Watch
Table of Contents
- Match: FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian Qualifiers (Playoff Round)
- Date & Time: Thursday, November 13, 2025 – Kick-off at 8:00 PM local time
- Venue: Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
- Second Leg: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 – Basra International Stadium, Basra
- Team Form:
- UAE – W D W L W
- Iraq – D W L W D
This AFC Fifth round decides which nation advances to the 2026 inter-confederation play-offs for a final chance to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Both teams are determined to take control in the first leg, with the UAE relying on home support and Iraq banking on their solid defensive organization.
Head to Head
| Info | Played | UAE Wins | Draws | Iraq Wins |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Matches | 11 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Goals For | 11 | 9 | ||
| Goals Against | 9 | 11 |
UAE vs Iraq Current Team News
UAE Team News:
The Whites face a significant loss with creative midfielder Fabio De Lima ruled out due to an injury sustained on club duty, depriving them of his crucial attacking spark—he scored 4 goals against Qatar in the qualifying stage.
The squad will rely heavily on veteran striker Ali Mabkhout, the UAE’s all-time top scorer with 85 international goals, to provide the attacking threat against Iraq’s solid defense.
Midfielder Ali Saleh has emerged as a key creative force with 3 goals and 4 assists in the qualifying campaign and will be essential to UAE’s attacking play without De Lima.
Coach Cosmin Olaroiu has brought tactical improvements and tactical flexibility since replacing Paulo Bento, focusing on attacking combinations and maintaining possession.
Iraq Team News:
The Iraqi squad arrives with full fitness under coach Graham Arnold, featuring a well-organized defensive unit.
Star striker Aymen Hussein has returned from injury and brings crucial goal-scoring threat with 8 goals in limited international appearances and proven track record in AFC competitions.
The striker’s presence provides a significant boost after Hussein’s clinical finishing was on display in previous qualifying campaigns. Experienced goalkeeper Jalal Hassan has been performing exceptionally, conceding just 1 goal in his last 5 matches across competitions.
Midfielder Zidane Iqbal provides midfield stability and distribution, while the team’s defensive organization under Arnold has been exemplary.
Current Possible Starting Lineups of UAE vs Iraq
UAE (4-2-3-1): Al-Hammadi; Al-Shamsi, Al-Balooshi, Al-Hosani, Al-Ameri; Al-Zarouni, Al-Ghassani; Khamis, Ahmed, Al-Mansoori; Khalfan
Iraq (4-3-3): Jalal Hassan; Al-Douri, Jassim, Al-Saadi, Al-Rikabi; Abdulkareem, Amjed Attwan, Al-Balushi; Al-Najjar, Mohanad Ali, Al-Saeed
Key Players:
UAE: Ali Mabkhout, Caio Canedo, Khalfan Mubarak – all offer pace and creativity in the attacking third.
Iraq: Mohanad Ali, Amjad Attwan, and Jalal Hassan – vital for their leadership, midfield balance, and defensive reliability.
Match Prediction – UAE vs Iraq
It’s likely to be a cagey first leg. UAE will push for an early lead, but Iraq’s solid structure could frustrate them.
Expect a narrow draw or a 1–0 win for the hosts before the decisive second leg in Basra.
Where to Watch in 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification – AFC
- United States:
- Canada:
- Streaming: Check beIN Sports Canada or regional AFC broadcasters
- Time: 8:00 AM ET / 5:00 AM PT
- United Kingdom and Europe:
- Streaming: beIN Sports Europe, official AFC+ streaming (where available)
- TV: Various regional broadcasters via AFC World Cup qualifiers schedule
- Time: 1:00 PM GMT / 2:00 PM CET (November 13, 2025)
- Australia: Check local sports broadcasters
- Time: November 14, 2025 (Australian time zone)
- Middle East & North Africa:
- TV: beIN Sports Arabic, official AFC broadcasters
- Streaming: Official AFC+ app and regional platforms
