Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Iraqi national football team is gearing up for a decisive showdown against the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, November 13, 2025, in the first leg of the AFC fifth-round playoff for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The match will take place at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, with both teams aiming to take a significant step toward qualification before the return leg in Iraq.
Iraq enters the playoff determined to secure a crucial away win after finishing third in Group B with 15 points from 10 matches, behind Oman and South Korea. The Lions of Mesopotamia hope to continue their journey toward World Cup qualification, fueled by a strong sense of national pride and momentum from recent performances.
The UAE, meanwhile, will rely on home advantage and fan support to gain an early edge. Finishing third in Group A behind Iran and Uzbekistan, the Emirati team earned a playoff spot alongside Qatar and now seeks to make a statement before the second leg in Basra.
Kickoff schedule:
- First Leg: Thursday, November 13, 2025 – 6:00 PM Cairo time / 7:00 PM Baghdad time
Venue: Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi - Second Leg: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 – Basra, Iraq
The upcoming playoff promises to be one of Iraq’s most important fixtures in recent years, as the national team seeks to return to the World Cup stage for the first time since 1986.
