Iraq’s Basra Night Sparks a World Cup Playoff Bid

Basra Celebration as Iraq Seizes World Cup Playoff Spot

Iraq’s national team turned Basra International Stadium into a celebration arena after a dramatic 2-1 win over UAE in the AFC playoff return leg on Tuesday night, sealing a 2-1 aggregate victory.

The comeback keeps Iraq alive in their World Cup dream after a 1-1 draw in the first leg and moves them into the intercontinental playoff with six teams yet to be decided for a place at the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, the United States and Canada.

Mohannad Ali equalized for Iraq, then Amir Al-Amari converted a late penalty after a handball to seal a dramatic victory as Kai Lucas had given UAE the lead in the night’s earlier moments.

The victory sparked celebrations in Basra as coach Graham Arnold celebrated wildly in the locker room, and players carried him around the pitch in a moment captured by cameras.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani praised the players and the coaching staff in a phone call with Adnan Darjal, promising continued government support on the road to the World Cup 2026.

The intercontinental playoff draws are due to be held in Zurich on November 20, with the six participating teams vying for two spots in Mexico, the United States and Canada in 2026. Iraq’s success adds to a growing list of Arab nations aiming to widen the regional footprint at the global finals.

Jalal Hassan, the Iraqi goalkeeper, and the rest of the squad expressed gratitude to fans and officials as they look ahead to the next challenge in March.

Punchlines

Punchline 1: If Iraq keep this pace, the next victory party might need its own stadium. Punchline 2: The ball found the back of the net and so did the celebrations—some people say it was louder than the echo in the locker room.