World Cup 2026 qualifier: UAE are 1-1 against Iraq at halfway mark

Both sides come out firing. Ramadan unleashed a fierce strike from outside the box, the ball dipping sharply, but Iraqi keeper Hassan stayed strong and held it cleanly.

At the other end, Iraq pushed forward and worked the ball into the UAE box, but the home defence stood firm and blocked a couple of efforts. The tempo has lifted once again.

Graham Arnold has wasted no time. The Iraq coach brings on his star striker at the break, the man who was only fit enough to start on the bench. He replaces Ali Al Hamadi as Iraq look for more cutting edge in the second half.

UAE and Iraq put on a fine show as they were locked up at 1-1 at half way in the first leg of the Fifa World Cup 2026 qualifiers in Abu Dhabi. While Ali Al Hamadi scored in the 10th minute, Luanzinho scored for the hosts in the 18th minute. The victor of the AFC qualifier fifth-round fixture will secure a place in the intercontinental playoffs, offering a chance at one of the final two spots in the expanded 48-team global tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Ramadan lost possession deep in the UAE half and Iraq moved quickly. The ball found its way to Mohanad Ali, who went for goal from the left side but could only hit the side netting. Iraq have created some good chances in this first half, and the match has stayed wide open at both ends.

Eissa is having a strong game so far. After punching the corner clear, the follow up cross was whipped back into the area and the header from close range looked dangerous, but he reacted brilliantly to keep it out. Another big moment from the UAE keeper. Another great save.

Another Iraq free kick caused real chaos in the UAE box, and the loose ball was forced behind for a corner. From the resulting delivery, the UAE defence rose well and headed it away with conviction. A shaky moment, but they handled it in the end.

After a brief spell of Iraq pressure, UAE are the ones creating again. From a throw in deep in the Iraqi area, Nicolas Gimenez found himself unmarked inside the box. He connected well but his effort went straight at the keeper. A good chance and a reminder of how dangerous UAE can be when they step forward.

Sultan Adil tried his luck from a tight angle on the right, smashing a shot into the side netting. It came after a smart short free kick worked into the right half space, followed by a clipped ball into the box. UAE won the aerial duel and the loose ball caused real chaos in the Iraqi defence, but no one in white could find the finishing touch.

Doski did well to wriggle past a couple of UAE players on the left and won a foul in the left half space. The free kick was swung deep to the far side and the Iraq player arriving on the right tried to hit it first time. Yahya Nader put just enough pressure on him and the shot flew well wide. A small scare, but no real danger in the end.

Iraq followed up with back-to-back corners, but UAE dealt with both deliveries with calm and strength. After that earlier scare, the defenders regrouped well and cleared their lines with confidence.

A huge save from Khalid Eissa keeps the scores level. Ali Al Hamadi found space and struck from close range, but Eissa reacted brilliantly to push it away from close range 1v1. It is a corner for Iraq and a real warning for the UAE after some shaky defending in that moment.

UAE have settled in well now and the confidence is growing with every pass. Iraq is starting to make small mistakes, and the home side are moving the ball around with real comfort. One misplaced pass from an Iraq player rolled straight out for a throw, and the crowd let out a loud cheer. The momentum is beginning to tilt toward the hosts.

We are twenty five minutes into the match and the tempo has been steady but competitive. UAE have attempted four shots so far, while Iraq have had two efforts of their own. UAE also edge the ball with fifty one percent possession compared to Iraq’s forty nine. It is finely balanced and both sides look ready to push again.

Ramadan is at the heart of everything right now. UAE look bright and full of belief, and the crowd can feel it. The atmosphere has lifted, every touch getting a reaction, and the crosses are starting to flow into the Iraq box.

Iraq tried to play out from the back, but the UAE press finally clicked, winning the ball high and getting a shot away, though it was blocked before it reached the keeper. The hosts are pushing with real intent.

UAE is level. What a header. A real thumping finish. They moved the ball neatly in the build up and although Meloni’s earlier cross did not trouble the Iraqi keeper, the next one did all the damage. Ramadan delivered a lovely ball into the box and Luanzinho rose with perfect timing to bury his header. A fantastic reply from the hosts.

Iraq enjoyed a calm spell on the ball, keeping possession with ease while the UAE press failed to bite in their own half. A well-judged long pass forward then opened space and earned Iraq a free kick deep in the UAE area.

From that set piece the ball was floated into a packed box, and the UAE defence simply could not deal with it. A scramble followed, full of hesitation and loose marking, and Iraq reacted first to put it in as the clearance was so poor from UAE. A messy moment at the back and Iraq takes an early lead with a goal from Ali Al Hamadi.

Iraq creates the first real moment as Husein Ali strikes from outside the box, but his attempt is blocked before it gathers any danger. The match pauses soon after with Yahya Nader down and in some discomfort, though he is back up and ready to continue.

Both teams are opening with direct ideas, sending long balls forward to test the back lines and feel out the early rhythm.

The teams are out from the tunnel and the energy inside the stadium has lifted. The UAE step onto the pitch in their classic white, calm and ready, while Iraq walk out in their bold away green kit, looking sharp and confident. Everything is set for a lively start.

Iraq coach Graham Arnold

“Our first goal is to secure Iraq’s qualification to the World Cup, which is the most important achievement for us. Qualifying through the playoffs is a historic opportunity for Iraq, and we must take it. We need everyone representing Iraq to give everything.”

UAE coach Cosmin Olaroiu

"We have to forget the Qatar match. We still have an opportunity to qualify for the World Cup, and we must take advantage of it. We have to be at our best against Iraq, and everyone has a part to play.”

Iraq’s coach Graham Arnold brings real tournament knowledge into this contest. He was the manager who guided Australia to the round of sixteen at the last World Cup, where they pushed the eventual champions Argentina before bowing out. That run showed his ability to prepare a team for big moments and manage pressure.

All eyes will be on Khalid Eissa tonight. The UAE goalkeeper knows he must be at his best after a difficult outing against Qatar. He has been a trusted figure for years, and this is the kind of match where his calm presence can steady the entire side. If he stays composed and cuts out the mistakes, he can be the difference between relief and frustration for the UAE.

Iraq also carry a real threat with Aymen Hussein available on the bench. He has already scored eight goals in the qualifiers and remains their most dangerous finisher. Even without starting, his presence is enough to keep the UAE defence on edge, knowing he can change the match the moment he steps on the pitch.

UAE recent form: D W W W W L

Iraq recent form: L W W W W D

Both teams arrive in good form. Iraq are unbeaten in their last five matches, while the UAE have been strong at home, showing consistency and composure in recent fixtures.

The UAE’s most memorable win over Iraq came in 2013 when they beat the Lions of Mesopotamia to lift the Gulf Cup title.

In a breathtaking Gulf Cup final, the UAE delivered a thrilling triumph, defeating former Asian champions Iraq 2-1 in extra-time to claim their second title. The turning point came when substitute Ismail Al-Hammadi struck the decisive goal in the 107th minute, sending thousands of UAE fans into rapture. Omar Abdulrahman, who has recently announced his retirement from professional football, had fired the Emirates ahead early, showcasing the brilliance that made him one of the region's finest players. The championship's best goal proved to be Abdulrahman's clinical finish. Iraq battled back courageously through captain Younes Mahmoud Khalaf's equalizer, but Al-Hammadi's crucial intervention sealed an unforgettable victory for coach Mahdi Ali's determined side.

UAE missed the qualification closely when they lost to Qatar in Doha last month after having defeated Oman 2-1 in the opening match. Meanwhile, Iraq had defeated 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.