Iraq defeat UAE and advance to the intercontinental play-off of World Cup qualifying
Another team reaches the play-offs.
Football news
Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
On Tuesday, November 18, the fifth-round World Cup 2026 Asian qualifier featured a clash between Iraq and the UAE.
The first half produced no goals, leaving all the drama for after the break. In the 52nd minute, the Emirates took the lead, but Iraq levelled the match just 14 minutes later.
The decisive moment came in the dying minutes. The referee awarded a penalty to Iraq, and Al-Ammari converted from the spot. That goal proved decisive, sending Iraq through to the next stage of qualifying — the intercontinental play-off.
Reminder: US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino have announced that a special “FIFA Pass” will be introduced during the 2026 World Cup.
