2026 World Cup: Iraq Joins DR Congo, Bolivia, Others in Intercontinental Play-Off Line-Up

2026 World Cup: Iraq Joins DR Congo, Bolivia, Others in Intercontinental Play-Off Line-Up

By BSN Sports 

Iraq sealed their place in the inter-confederation play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic 2–1 victory over the United Arab Emirates in Basra on Tuesday, earning a 3–2 aggregate win in their Asian qualifying tie, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time 17 minutes into added time when Amir Al-Ammari converted a VAR-awarded penalty to complete Iraq’s comeback and keep alive their hopes of returning to the World Cup for the first time since their lone appearance in 1986.

The UAE had taken the lead early in the second half when Caio Lucas, played through by Yahia Nader, fired past goalkeeper Jalal Hachim in the 52nd minute. But Iraq responded strongly. Substitute Mohanad Ali, who plays his club football for Dibba in the UAE, headed home Al-Ammari’s free-kick midway through the second half to level the score.

Iraq continued to press for a winner, with Mohanad Ali missing two late opportunities before VAR intervened to award a penalty for handball. Al-Ammari stepped up and calmly converted, sparking celebrations among the Basra crowd.

The victory sends Iraq into the six-team inter-confederation play-offs, where the final two berths for the 2026 World Cup will be decided.

They join Bolivia, New Caledonia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, all of whom have already secured play-off spots. The final two places will be determined later on Tuesday after the concluding round of CONCACAF qualifiers, with Jamaica and Panama currently in position to advance.