In a thrilling encounter at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the UAE and Iraq played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw in the first leg of the AFC World Cup playoff on Thursday. The match, filled with dramatic moments, sets the stage for a decisive second leg in Basra on November 18. Iraq struck first in the 10th minute through Ali Al Hamadi, who capitalized on a defensive lapse following a well-executed free-kick. However, the UAE responded swiftly, with Brazilian-born midfielder Luanzinho equalizing in the 18th minute with a precise header. The home team dominated possession and created several chances but were unable to break through Iraq’s resilient defense. In a dramatic finale, the UAE thought they had secured a late winner when Caio Lucas found the net in the 96th minute, only for the goal to be disallowed due to an offside call. The result leaves the tie finely balanced as both teams prepare for the crucial second leg, with the winner advancing to the intercontinental qualifying tournament in March 2026. The UAE, aiming to end a 35-year World Cup drought since their debut in 1990, will need to overcome the challenge of playing in Iraq’s hostile environment. Meanwhile, Iraq will look to leverage their home advantage to secure a historic qualification.