Iraq vs United Arab Emirates Preview & Prediction | 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying (AFC)

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The intercontinental playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are beckoning for one of these two sides as Iraq take on the United Arab Emirates in a well balanced contest.

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – Not televised

How to watch online: UK – OneFootball / US – OneFootball

Key stats

• Iraq are unbeaten in the last four World Cup qualifying matches between these teams with two wins and two draws.
• Iraq have lost only three of their last 22 World Cup qualifying matches (W12 D7).
• Iraq have lost just one of their last eight home matches in the current World Cup qualifying campaign (W5 D2). However, that defeat came in the most recent encounter—a 2-0 loss to Korea Republic on 5 June 2025.
• United Arab Emirates have lost only two of their last nine World Cup qualifying matches (W4 D3).

Iraq vs United Arab Emirates prediction

In the first-leg of this fifth round tie in AFC qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates shared a 1-1 draw at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi the other day. Luton Town loanee Ali Al Hamadi scored a tenth minute opener for the Iraqis in that clash, before Luan Pereira equalised for the UAE about eight or so minutes later to leave the two-legged tie delicately poised.

Iraq have been struggling for about 18 or so months but have improved since the appointment of former Australia boss Graham Arnold, whilst the UAE have been knocking on the door of FIFA World Cup qualification for a while.

Asian international football can often be quite entertaining and dramatic, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see this one go deep and even into extra-time in Basra.

Iraq vs United Arab Emirates tip: Draw