Iraq Reaches Intercontinental Playoffs on 107th-Minute VAR Penalty

The win sends Graham Arnold's side into a six-team March playoff for two 2026 World Cup berths.

Overview

Amir Al-Ammari converted a 107th-minute spot kick after a VAR review confirmed a Yahia Nader handball, with referee Yusuke Araki consulting the pitchside monitor.
Iraq defeated the United Arab Emirates 2-1 in Basra to clinch a 3-2 aggregate victory, prompting jubilant celebrations at Basra International Stadium.
Caio Lucas put the UAE ahead in the 52nd minute before Mohanad Ali equalised with a 66th-minute header from Al-Ammari’s free kick.
The result keeps alive Iraq’s bid for a first World Cup appearance since 1986 under Australian coach Graham Arnold.
Iraq moves into March’s six-team intercontinental playoff where two nations qualify for 2026, and reports indicate a Mexico-based, two-group format with Iraq joining New Caledonia, DR Congo and Bolivia as entrants so far.