Lineup Instability Threatens Iraq’s World Cup Quest Against UAE
10 November 2025
Context and lineup instability ahead of the UAE playoff
Reality bites for Iraq as it enters the Asian World Cup playoff for 2026 against the United Arab Emirates, with a squad unsettled by injuries and absences in Abu Dhabi and Basra.
The first leg is scheduled for Thursday, with the return on November 18, and the aggregate winner will advance to the global playoff in March next year.
Iraq coach Graham Arnold faces a challenge, unable to field a number of regulars due to injuries and form fluctuations.
Key players, injuries, and tactical concerns
Former defender Salam Shaker told AFP that two tough matches lie ahead, given the current form of both teams and UAE’s strength after recent playoff fixtures.
He added that the problem is both technical and personal: the team lacks identity and character that could propel it past the opponent.
Arnold has named 25 players for the fixtures, including several newcomers, while five were left out from the prior selection in Jeddah.
Salam Shaker criticized the defensive emphasis, arguing it has dampened the attack and led to more defensive errors and fewer clear chances.
Former international Hawar Mal Mohammed stressed that the first leg in Abu Dhabi will be difficult, as the result will shape progression to the world playoff.
He noted midfield issues, including the absence of Yousef Al-Amin, contributing to the team’s struggles.
Hawar added that the lack of balance in midfield—due in part to missing players like Yousef Al-Amin and Ibrahim Bayesh—has hindered both defense and attack.
He also mentioned that the attacking options are thin, with Ammar Mohsen and Mohammed Jawad not included, while Ali Hamadi returned and Ayman Hussein is back from injury.
Mustafa Karim pointed out that Iraq’s goal-scoring woes are a dangerous trend, given the squad’s recent form and the absence of key strikers.
The team managed only one goal against Indonesia in the last playoff, underscoring offensive concerns.
Karim added that Ayman Hussein’s return, alongside Ali Hamadi, offers real opportunities to boost the attack, while Jawad’s absence is a blow for depth in front of goal.
The defense remains fragile, and the absence of several players will heighten the challenge for both Abu Dhabi and Basra.
The Iraqi camp arrived in Abu Dhabi today to prepare for the first leg, with Arnold concentrating on training and tactical tweaks.
In sum, the two matches loom large, but victory remains within reach for the team that can stabilize and convert its chances.
Punchline 1: If lineup instability were a sport, Iraq would be MVP, because suspense is always the first half-hour of every game.
Punchline 2: In football, timing is everything—just like a perfect sniper shot, except the target is a starting XI that actually makes sense on paper.
