Iraq have defeated the United Arab Emirates 3-2 on aggregate in the elimination phase of the AFC playoffs, earning a place in the interconfederation playoffs.

With the aggregate score level at 2-2 late in the second leg, Iraq’s Mohanad ALI headed in a ball that was handled by Yahia NADER in the area. A spot kick was awarded after a video review, and Amir AL AMMARI scored the goal that earned Iraq a place in the playoffs in MAR 2026. Success would send Iraq to their first Men’s World Cup in 40 years.