The Iraqi national team came out with a positive result from its match against the UAE after forcing a 1-1 draw in the match held at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, as part of the decisive Asian playoff for qualification to the global playoff in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The match started at a fast pace from both sides, but the field control was clearly evident for the Iraqi team, which entered the match with great determination and high focus, applying offensive pressure from the flanks and making repeated attempts on the home team's goal.

After a series of dangerous attempts, player Ali Al-Hamadi succeeded in scoring the first goal in the 10th minute, following a coordinated team effort and high offensive focus, translating the superiority of the Lions of Mesopotamia early on.

The joy of the Iraqi team did not last long, as the UAE team managed to equalize in the 18th minute through Luan Pereira, who rose to a cross and executed it with his head into the net, scoring the equalizer that brought the match back to a state of balance.

Despite the UAE goal, the Iraqi team continued its impressive performance in the first half, maintaining its possession and organization on the field, while the UAE team resorted to relying on counterattacks.

As the second half began, the UAE team tried to improve its image and appear stronger offensively in front of its fans, pressing on Iraq's defense through the flanks and crosses, while the Lions of Mesopotamia relied on closing spaces and playing quick counterattacks.

The last minutes of the match witnessed great excitement, especially in stoppage time when the UAE scored a second goal through Caio Lucas in the 96th minute, but the joy of the home team was short-lived as Australian referee Sean Evans disallowed the goal after reviewing the video technology due to a clear offside.

With this result, the Iraqi team achieved an important gain by coming out with a draw from the UAE's ground, postponing the decision to the anticipated return leg that will be held at the Palm Tree Trunk Stadium in Basra next Tuesday, the 18th of this month.