Rabat – The UAE hosts Iraq today in the first leg of an AFC World Cup qualifying playoff.
Both sides came close to direct qualification. The UAE finished one point behind Qatar after losing 2-1 in their final match. Iraq ended level on points with Saudi Arabia but missed out due to fewer goals scored.
In the last round, the UAE beat Oman 2-1 before falling in Doha, while Iraq beat Indonesia 1-0 and drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia.
Only one spot in the inter-confederation playoffs is available, with both teams chasing a second-ever World Cup appearance. A strong first-leg result would be vital before the return match in Basra next week.
Match Details
Fixture: UAE vs Iraq
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers (AFC Fifth-Round Playoff, First Leg)
Venue: Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
Date: Thursday, November 13
Kick-off: 5:00 p.m. (GMT+1)
How to Watch: beIN Sports 2 (MENA), Dubai Sports Asia 1, Sharjah Sports, Abu Dhabi Sports Asia 1
𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛𝗗𝗔𝗬
🇦🇪 UAE bank on home advantage to make the first statement as 🇮🇶 Iraq make the visit to Abu Dhabi! #AsianQualifiers | #UAEvIRQ pic.twitter.com/GM3sYkcxoq
— #AsianQualifiers (@afcasiancup) November 13, 2025
UAE Team News
The UAE will be without playmaker Fabio De Lima, who is injured after club duty. He scored four goals against Qatar earlier in qualifying, so his absence weakens their attack.
Wingers Yahya Al Ghassani and Sultan Adil are in the squad but may not be fit to play. On the positive side, Ali Saleh (3 goals, 4 assists in qualifying) is available to add creativity from the wing.
Coach Cosmin Olaroiu is expected to turn to naturalized forwards Caio Canedo and Nicolás Giménez to cover for De Lima in midfield.
UAE Predicted lineup: Eisa; Pereira, Pimenta, Kouadio, Meloni; Canedo, Nader, Suarez, Saleh; Giménez; Lucas
Iraq Team News
Iraq have been boosted by the return of striker Ayman Hussein, who is fit but may start on the bench as he finishes recovery. Hussein has scored eight goals in this qualifying campaign.
In his place, 21-year-old Ali Jasim, with four goal involvements so far, is set to lead the attack, supported by young midfielder Hasan Abdulkareem.
Coach Graham Arnold has a full squad with no major injuries. The Lions of Mesopotamia will lean on their strong defense and improved organization under Arnold.
Iraq Predicted lineup: Basil; Ali, Younis, Sulaka, Doski; Al-Ammari, Iqbal; Rashid, Amyn, Jasim; Hussein.
What to Expect
The UAE will try to use home advantage in Abu Dhabi, where they are unbeaten in their last five competitive games. Olaroiu’s team has lost only once in their past eight matches and will look to control possession and press high.
Even without De Lima, they have attacking options, Ali Saleh’s pace on the wing, and the Brazilian-born duo Caio Canedo and Caio Lucas up front. Defensive mistakes have cost them before, so focusing on the back will be key.
Iraq, coached by Graham Arnold, are more organized and resilient. They are unbeaten in five matches, with four clean sheets in that run. Expect them to defend compactly and counterattack.
Iraq also have the edge in recent meetings, unbeaten against the UAE in open play for over six years, including a 1–0 win in 2022. Overall, Iraq led the head-to-head 11-9 in 31 games.
Still, with 36,000 fans behind them, the UAE will be determined to push closer to their first World Cup since 1990.
Iraq last qualified in 1986, so both sides are desperate. The first leg is likely to be tight, with one moment of brilliance or a mistake deciding the outcome before the return match in Basra.
Safe Bets
- Both Teams to Score: Yes – The UAE have seen goals at both ends in five of their last six matches, so it’s likely each side will score.
- Over 2.5 Goals: Likely – Four of the UAE’s last five games had at least three goals. With their attacking style, this match could also produce a high score.
- Ali Saleh to Score or Assist: Yes – He has 3 goals and 4 assists in qualifying and will be the main threat without De Lima.
- Draw: Likely – Both teams are evenly matched, and a draw could leave the tie wide open for the second leg.
Final score prediction: UAE 2-2 Iraq
