On Tuesday, Iraq played one of the most dramatic matches in their football history, scoring a penalty in the 117th minute to defeat the United Arab Emirates 2-1 in Basra and secure a spot in the play-offs for the 2026 Inter-Confederation World Cup.
In a thrilling second leg, Iraq released the pressure from a 1-1 draw in the first leg, displaying a bold performance that kept the fans on their toes until VAR intervened in stoppage time.
The United Arab Emirates scored first early in the second half. Yahia Nader delivered a perfectly placed through ball to Brazilian-born striker Caio Lucas, who slotted the ball past goalkeeper Jalal Hachim to make it 1-0 in the 52nd minute.
Iraq responded. In the 67th minute, substitute Mohanad Ali – ironically playing club football in the UAE – leaped high and headed home Amir Al-Ammari’s free kick, leveling the score and electrifying the home fans.
The Lions of Mesopotamia continued their attack, and Mohanad Ali squandered two excellent chances that seemed to haunt them.
Then came the twist.
In the 17th minute of stoppage time, VAR flagged a handball in the UAE penalty area, giving Iraq one last chance to win. Al-Ammari, under immense pressure, rose to the occasion and converted the penalty, sparking a riotous celebration as Iraq won 3-2 on aggregate, keeping their World Cup dreams alive.
Iraq, whose only World Cup appearance came in 1986, has now advanced to the six-team inter-confederation playoffs, which will determine the final two tickets to the 2026 World Cup.
They join Bolivia, New Caledonia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and after the final round of CONCACAF qualifying, two more teams will be confirmed – likely Jamaica and Panama.
Iraq waits, but the dream persists.
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