Six-Decade Duel: UAE and Iraq Chase a World Cup Playoff Dream in Abu Dhabi
Two historic foes, United Arab Emirates and Iraq, renew their intense contest in a pivotal World Cup playoff trek. The first leg in Abu Dhabi sets the stage for a global playoff berth and a chance at the 2026 World Cup. Their history stretches from 1985-1986 qualifiers to recent encounters, with both teams chasing a rare first-clip to reach the global stage. The upcoming matches blend nostalgia with high stakes as Asia’s qualification path heats up.