Iraq vs UAE Match Preview – 2026 FIFA World Cup AFC Qualifying Second Leg

Iraq vs UAE in a crucial knockout-play match as part of the AFC qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After drawing 1-1 in the first leg away in Abu Dhabi, the stage is set for an intense second leg where everything is still to play for. This second leg of the AFC World Cup qualification playoff determines which nation advances to the intercontinental playoff against CONMEBOL opposition for a final World Cup ticket.

Iraq hosts the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Basra International Stadium in the decisive second leg of the AFC World Cup qualification playoff, with the winner advancing to the intercontinental playoff in Mexico in March 2026.

After a thrilling 1-1 first-leg draw in Abu Dhabi on November 13, the stage is set for a tense knockout encounter where Iraq holds the crucial advantage of needing only a draw or victory to qualify, while the UAE must win to keep their World Cup dream alive.​

Iraq vs UAE Match Information, Prediction, H2H and Where to Watch

• Tournament: 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers – AFC Playoff Stage.
• Match Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 16:00 UTC (8:00 PM local Basra time / 4:00 PM CET / 11:00 AM EST / 8:00 AM PST)
• Stadium: Basra International Stadium, Basra, Iraq.
• Current Situation: First leg ended 1-1 in Abu Dhabi.
• Form:
  • Iraq: W W W D D
  • UAE: W W W W L D

First Leg Summary (November 13, Abu Dhabi – 1-1 Draw): The opening match proved thrilling, with Ali Al-Hamadi giving Iraq a dream start by scoring in the 10th minute after pouncing on a loose ball in the UAE box.

However, Luan Pereira equalized for the hosts with a perfect header in the 18th minute, assisted by Abdalla Ramadan’s precise cross. UAE goalkeeper Khalid Eisa proved exceptional, making crucial saves including a one-on-one against Al-Hamadi and denying Mohanad Ali in the second half.

Dramatically, Caio Lucas appeared to have won it for the UAE in the 90th minute, but the effort was ruled out for a marginal offside call.​

Team News

Iraq, coached by Graham Arnold, have narrowly missed direct qualification and must win this tie to reach the inter-confederation playoff.

The UAE dropped to the playoff route after missing direct qualification by a point. Both sides are aware that the margins are narrow and the pressure is intense.

Iraq vs UAE Head to Head

Current Possible Starting Lineups of Iraq vs UAE

Iraq Predicted XI (4-3-3):

• J Hasan; Doski, Tahseen, Hashem, H Ali; Jabbah, Al-Amari, Jasim, Iqbal; M Ali, A Hussein

UAE Predicted XI (4-3-3):

• Eisa; Meloni, Pimenta, Zouhir, R Canedo; L Pereira, Nader, Ramadan, S Alamiri; N Gimenez; Lucas

Key Players

Iraq Key Players:

• Ali Al-Hamadi: Luton Town striker scored in the first leg and brings clinical finishing ability​
• Aymen Hussein: A forward with 8 goals in limited international appearances, offering a consistent goal-scoring threat.​
• Zidane Iqbal: Manchester United loanee on loan providing midfield creativity and technical quality​
• Jalal Hassan: Goalkeeper maintaining excellent defensive form with crucial saves​

UAE Key Players:

• Khalid Eisa: Exceptional goalkeeper who single-handedly kept UAE in the playoff with match-winning saves​
• Ali Mabkhout: All-time leading striker with 85 international goals providing attacking prowess​
• Luan Pereira: Midfielder who scored the equalizer in the first leg with perfect header execution​
• Ali Saleh: Midfielder with goal-scoring ability and creative support​

Prediction

With home advantage in Basra and a slight historical edge, Iraq appear to have the edge—but the tie is finely balanced thanks to the first leg draw. Prediction: Iraq 2-1 United Arab Emirates.

Where to Watch Iraq vs UAE 2026 FIFA World Cup Second Leg Qualification