UAE vs Iraq: Past five meetings reveal Iraq's edge in recent history

Dubai: The United Arab Emirates face Iraq tonight at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi in an important first leg of their World Cup 2026 qualifying playoff, a high stakes clash that kicks off at 8 in the evening and sets the tone for a two match battle that will be settled in the return meeting in Basra on November 18. The winner of this tie will move on to the inter continental play off tournament in March, where six teams will compete for two places at the World Cup. We will be running a live blog from 7 in the evening so stay tuned for every moment from this exciting encounter, but before that let us look at the past five meetings between these two nations.

On this date, the two sides met in a crucial World Cup qualification match at King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, where Iraq secured a vital win. Hussein Ali scored the only goal of the game, keeping Iraq’s hopes alive while dealing a major setback to the UAE’s campaign in a match played on neutral ground.

In a thrilling 2022 World Cup qualifier, Ali Mabkhout scored a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer to rescue the UAE against Iraq in Dubai. The Al Jazira striker netted from close range in the 93rd minute following an assist from Waleed Abbas, securing a 2-2 draw after Iraq had taken the lead minutes earlier

The UAE and Iraq faced off in an international friendly at Zabeel Stadium in Dubai. Both teams showcased their tactical approach in this competitive encounter, but neither could find the breakthrough. The match ended in a goalless stalemate, providing both nations with valuable preparation ahead of their upcoming campaigns.

Iraq secured their semifinal spot in the Arabian Gulf Cup with a dominant 2-0 victory over UAE at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha. Abbas scored in the sixth minute with a clinical angular finish, while Abdulzahra added a second with a header in the 37th minute. Iraq made nine changes and controlled the match throughout, with UAE goalkeeper Al Shamsi saving a penalty late on. Iraq advanced with six points from two games.

In a gripping semi-final encounter, the UAE and Iraq battled to a tense goalless stalemate through extra time at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium. Neither side could break the deadlock in open play, forcing the tie into a dramatic penalty shootout. The UAE held their nerve when it mattered most, converting their efforts with clinical precision while Iraq faltered from the spot. The Emirates triumphed 4-2 on penalties, securing their place in the tournament final and setting the stage for their memorable title victory.

However, football history does not tell the full story of the present, and the UAE stand a very good chance of going through this time.