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

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The first leg of this AFC World Cup qualification fifth-round tie between the UAE and Iraq takes place in Abu Dhabi.

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

• United Arab Emirates have lost only two of their last 19 World Cup qualifying matches at home (W12 D5).
• United Arab Emirates have kept six clean sheets in their last ten World Cup qualifying matches at home.
• Iraq are unbeaten in the last three World Cup qualifying matches between these teams with two wins and one draw.
• Iraq have lost only three of their last 21 World Cup qualifying matches (W12 D6).
• Iraq have kept 12 clean sheets in their last 17 World Cup qualifying matches.

United Arab Emirates vs Iraq prediction

These two nations both finished second-place in their respective fourth round qualification groups, setting the stage for this all-or-nothing two-legged clash with the winner moving forwards to the inter-confederation play-offs representing the AFC. United Arab Emirates have home advantage in the first-leg but cannot afford to play things too ‘gung-ho’ and leaves themselves vulnerable on the break against this extremely impressive Iraqi side.

Expect both teams to keep it tight in leg one with a view to keeping themselves in the tie at all costs, trying to ensure that at worst they go into the second leg level on aggregate. Unfortunately, this could mean a match short in terms of clear-cut opportunities and goals. Consider backing under 2.5 goals across the first leg.

United Arab Emirates vs Iraq tip: Under 2.5 goals