Overview
- The UAE hosts Iraq in the first leg at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, with tickets gone, a return match in Basra on November 18, and the winner advancing to a global playoff set by a November 20 draw.
- Key absences include UAE scorer Fabio Lima and midfielder Majed Hassan, while Iraq welcomes back striker Ayman Hussein after injury and misses Ibrahim Bayesh, Yusuf Al-Amin, and Montathar Al-Majed.
- Fan mobilization is extensive, with the UAE federation providing 25,000 flags and 20,000 scarves and Iraq’s consulate in Dubai organizing free ticket distribution; stadium capacity is about 40,000.
- The UAE will chair the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force in 2026, with Hamid Al Zaabi to preside and priorities focused on cooperation, stronger governance, and readiness for upcoming mutual evaluations.
- Regional outreach intensified as the UAE and Cyprus praised the Amalthea sea corridor and backed cease-fire and aid access for Gaza while urging civilian protection and accountability in Sudan, and Egypt’s foreign minister delivered a letter from President Sisi to President Erdogan to deepen ties and coordinate on Gaza relief and a political path for Sudan.