Buenos Aires, November 18 (NA) – Iraq defeated the United Arab Emirates 2-1 in the second leg of the fourth round of qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, securing its place in the intercontinental playoff, a stage that keeps the dream of returning to the world's top football event alive. According to the Argentine News Agency (NA), the two goals that sustained the Iraqi dream were scored by Mohanad Ali and Amir Al-Ammari, while the only goal for "The Whites" came from Caio Lucas Fernandes. During the first half, both teams entered the field with the intention of imposing conditions from the start. With this agonizing victory, Iraq secured its place in the international playoff and extended its path to the World Cup dream. However, despite the high pace and the effort to find spaces, neither team managed to convert the chances they created. Inaccuracies in finishing and good defensive closures kept the score close at the International Stadium in Basra, Iraq. In the 17 minutes of added time, Amir Al-Ammari took a penalty and, with a firm shot from the spot, scored the definitive 2-1 that sparked celebrations in Basra. Even so, that result was not enough to guarantee a place in the Repechage, so the home team maintained pressure and territorial dominance in search of the goal that would change the story. The reward came in added time. In the 7th minute, the United Arab Emirates opened the scoring: Caio Lucas Fernandes finished a counterattack with a precise shot that left goalkeeper Jalal Hassan without reaction. Iraq responded decisively. This parity reflected the balance shown in an initial stage where neither managed to impose sustained superiority. In the second half, both teams returned to the field with a more aggressive posture and again proposed a constant back-and-forth. In the 21st minute, Mohanad Ali appeared inside the area to connect a powerful header that meant 1-1. This search generated a dynamic development, with fast transitions and alternating approaches.
