The Iraqi national team achieved an important victory over its counterpart, the Hong Kong national team, with a score of 2-1, in the match held this evening as part of the King’s Cup in Thailand, securing a spot in the final and awaiting the winner of the match between Thailand and Fiji.

The match saw a clear dominance by the Iraqi team, both in terms of possession and creating dangerous opportunities, as the players of the Lions of the Euphrates imposed their attacking style from the start, amid limited attempts from the Hong Kong team.

The Hong Kong team took the lead in the 61st minute through a penalty successfully executed by player Matt Orr, taking an unexpected advantage against the flow of the game.

However, the Iraqi response came quickly, as substitute Mohanad Ali managed to equalize in the 67th minute, bringing the match back to square one.

The Iraqi team continued its attacking pressure until Mohanad Ali scored the second goal in the 80th minute, giving the Lions of the Euphrates the lead and the ticket to the final.

With this victory, the Iraqi national team continues its ideal preparations for the Asian playoff qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, affirming its physical and technical readiness under the leadership of Australian coach Graham Arnold.