Late Equalizer Keeps World Cup Hopes Alive: UAE and Iraq Split Points in Abu Dhabi

Match snapshot

The UAE and Iraq battled to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the Asian qualifying stage for the 2026 World Cup playoff, staged at Abu Dhabi's Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium on Thursday night.

Ali Al-Zubaydi put Iraq ahead in the 10th minute, and Luan Pereira equalized for the UAE in the 18th, keeping the tie alive ahead of the return leg in Basra on Tuesday.

Cosmin Olaroiu named Khaled Issa in goal with a compact defense and a balanced midfield, while Iraqi coach Graham Arnold opted for a cautious approach with a sturdy midfield anchor and a plan to control the middle of the park.

The second half was a tense battle, with both sides pressing for a breakthrough and several chances created by both sides as the keepers made key saves and defenders cleared danger.

Second half and turning points

After the break, the game intensified as UAE pushed forward and Iraq looked for a decisive goal. A flurry of substitutions and sustained pressure defined the half, but neither side could find the winner, leaving the aggregate score level until the final whistle.

The result means the tie goes to Basra, where the winner will be decided in the second leg.

Punchline time: If football were a suspense thriller, this 1-1 would be the cliffhanger that keeps us refreshing at 2am. And if patience earned goals, both teams would already be lifting the trophy—the coffee, though, would still be undefeated.