Iraq Qualifies for World Cup Playoff with Dramatic Win over UAE
The Iraqi national team qualified for the global playoff for the 2026 World Cup after their thrilling 2-1 victory over the UAE in the Asian playoff second leg, held at Basra International Stadium.
The first leg between the two teams had ended in a 1-1 draw.
The UAE team scored the opening goal through Caio Lucas in the 52nd minute, while Iraq equalized with a goal by Mohanad Ali Kazem in the 66th minute.
In the 90+17th minute, the referee awarded a penalty to Iraq after consulting the video assistant referee (VAR), which Amir Fouad Al-Amari converted into the decisive winning goal.
The first leg between the two teams had ended in a 1-1 draw.
The UAE team scored the opening goal through Caio Lucas in the 52nd minute, while Iraq equalized with a goal by Mohanad Ali Kazem in the 66th minute.
In the 90+17th minute, the referee awarded a penalty to Iraq after consulting the video assistant referee (VAR), which Amir Fouad Al-Amari converted into the decisive winning goal.
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