Stakes Rise as Iraq Braces for UAE Showdown to Chase a 2026 World Cup Dream

Team in focus: Iraq’s march toward Basra showdown

The Iraqi national team stepped up training ahead of a highly anticipated rematch with the United Arab Emirates in the Asia World Cup playoff, set to take place in Basra’s stadium. The squad is intent on sealing a place in the global playoff for the 2026 World Cup.

The two teams shared a 1-1 draw in Abu Dhabi in the first leg, leaving the tie finely balanced and the stakes sky-high as they chase qualification for March 2026.

The encounter is part of the road to the World Cup 2026, with both sides eyeing a path to the global playoff that could turn a dream into reality for the gallant football nations.

Ammar Mohsen, who plays for Brage in Sweden, joined the Iraqi training camp after arriving early Sunday, adding firepower to the squad ahead of the crucial clash.

Mohsen will link up with Mohammed Jawad of Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya in today’s session, as the squad gears up for a demanding ordeal against their Gulf rivals in Basra under the watchful eye of coach Graham Arnold and the strategic input of Cosmin Olaroiu.

On the ground, Saad Natiq emphasized that this match stands among the most important in Iraqi football history, acknowledging the UAE’s quality while stressing the importance of home support and resolve.

Imar Shir echoed the sentiment, calling the feeling “great” and expressing confidence in the squad, while also appealing for full backing from Iraqi fans to lift the team in Basra.

The Australian Arnold is also poring over the UAE’s forms under Cosmin Olaroiu, aiming to assemble the best XI for the comeback battle. Changes to the lineup are being weighed, with discussions around formations and personnel in light of injuries and suspensions.

Ali Hamadi is set to miss the encounter due to injury, while discussions continue about whether Zidan Iqbal should start or come off the bench, with a continued interest in a 4-4-2 setup that served Iraq in the away leg.

Yousif Al-Ameen remains sidelined through injury, and Ammar Mohsen’s inclusion is designed to inject energy and freshness into the Iraqi attack as the match nears.

Arnold has also called for a strong home crowd, hoping to fill Basra’s stands with fans who can create the pressure needed to unsettle UAE, reinforcing the team’s focus and determination to advance.

Historically, Iraq and the UAE have clashed 24 times since 1984, with Iraq having the edge in recent meetings. The UAE has struggled to beat Iraq in the last five meetings, though the upcoming two legs are expected to be intensely contested as both sides chase a World Cup 2026 berth.

Both nations have appeared at least once at the World Cup—Iraq in 1986 and the UAE in 1990—making this tie a potential turning point in their long-standing rivalry. The coaching staff continues to study UAE strengths and weaknesses, focusing on closing gaps and enhancing attacking facets that dipped in the first leg.

As the decisive legs near, the mood in the Iraqi camp remains high and determined. The hope is that Ammar Mohsen’s addition can spark a renewed attacking threat and help overturn the tie, pushing Iraq toward a coveted World Cup playoff spot.

In sum, the forthcoming Basra clash promises drama, passion, and a test of character as Iraq seeks a historic march toward the World Cup 2026 while UAE eye the same prize with their own hunger for qualification.

Punchlines

Punchline 1: If football is the national sport of mood swings, this match is basically Netflix—plenty of episodes, and you still don’t know the ending until the final whistle.

Punchline 2: We asked the ball for a straight answer, but it just kept curving—classic Iraqi football logic: unpredictable, unforgettable, and somehow still aimed at a goal.