What's happened
Iraq and UAE face off in a decisive two-leg playoff for one of the last spots in the 2026 World Cup. Iraq aims to qualify for the first time since 1986, with coach Graham Arnold emphasizing the importance of the match. The winner advances to intercontinental playoffs in March.
What's behind the headline?
The upcoming playoff highlights ongoing issues with the Asian qualification format, notably the advantage given to host nations like Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Arnold's criticism underscores a broader debate about fairness in international qualifiers. The match in Basra is expected to be heavily influenced by home crowd support, which could tip the balance for Iraq. Success for Iraq would mark a historic return to the World Cup, boosting regional football prestige. The UAE, meanwhile, must focus on overcoming the disappointment of missing direct qualification and capitalize on their opportunity to reach the tournament through this final stage. The outcome will significantly impact regional football narratives and could influence future qualification formats.
What the papers say
AP News reports on the playoff series, highlighting the controversy over the qualification format and the significance for Iraq's football history. The New Arab provides context on regional performances in the AFC Champions League, illustrating the competitive environment Middle Eastern teams operate within. Both sources emphasize the importance of these qualifiers for regional pride and the challenges faced by teams like Iraq and the UAE in navigating the current system.
How we got here
Both Iraq and the UAE missed automatic qualification in the third and fourth rounds of Asian qualifiers, finishing behind top teams like Japan and Saudi Arabia. The playoff format, hosted in Qatar and Iraq, has been controversial due to perceived home advantage for Qatar and Saudi Arabia, which has drawn criticism from coaches including Iraq's Graham Arnold. The playoff is a critical opportunity for Iraq to return to the World Cup after a 40-year absence.
Go deeper
- What are Iraq's key strengths and weaknesses?
- How might the home advantage in Basra influence the outcome?
- What has been the reaction in Iraq to this playoff opportunity?
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