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54m ago

Iraq vs UAE Playoff Second Leg in Basra Today to Decide Mexico Play-off Berth

The winner advances to March's inter-confederation play-offs in Mexico for a final chance to reach the expanded 2026 World Cup.

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UAE's forward #20 Luan Pereira celebrates scoring his team's first goal with UAE's midfielder #6 Abdullah Ramadan during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian qualifier football match between the United Arab Emirates and Iraq at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on November 13, 2025. (Photo by Fadel SENNA / AFP)

Overview

  • Kick-off is at 8pm UAE time (16:00 GMT) at Basra International Stadium.
  • Basra declared a public holiday to support a full house at the 65,000-seat venue.
  • The UAE football association arranged eight private planes to fly fans to Basra.
  • The first leg ended 1-1, with Ali Al Hamadi scoring for Iraq and Luan Pereira equalising for the UAE.
  • The match is live on beIN Sports, with the loser eliminated until 2030 qualifying and the winner entering a six-team play-off that awards two World Cup spots.