The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup narrows for Iraq and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as they prepare for a decisive two-leg playoff in the fifth round of Asian qualification. The first match will take place in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, followed by the return leg in Basra, Iraq, next Tuesday. The winner of this high-stakes encounter will advance to FIFA’s intercontinental playoffs in March, where they will compete for one of the final two spots in the expanded 48-team tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Iraq coach Graham Arnold emphasized the historic significance of this opportunity, stating, ‘Our first goal is to secure Iraq’s qualification to the World Cup, which is the most important achievement for us.’ Arnold, who led Australia to the round of 16 in the 2022 World Cup, took charge of Iraq in March and aims to guide the team to their first World Cup appearance since 1986. UAE coach Cosmin Olaroiu echoed the importance of the upcoming matches, urging his players to focus on the task at hand despite frustrations over the previous qualification round. Both teams narrowly missed automatic qualification in earlier rounds, finishing behind Qatar and Saudi Arabia. With passionate home crowds expected in both legs, the stage is set for a thrilling battle to keep World Cup dreams alive.
One last chance: UAE and Iraq’s World Cup hopes ride in Asia’s 5th qualifying round
