By Staff Reporter
The UAE national team stands on the brink of its biggest test yet as they travel to Basra for the decisive second leg of the fifth-round playoff against Iraq on Tuesday. After an emotionally charged Asian qualifying campaign for the 2026 Fifa World Cup, Cosmin Olaroiu’s men must summon every ounce of resilience at the 65,000-seat Basra International Stadium (8 pm UAE time) to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
The first leg in Abu Dhabi on November 13 ended in a tense 1-1 draw, leaving everything to play for in front of Iraq’s passionate home crowd. With Iraq riding a four-match unbeaten streak, the UAE know there is no margin for error if they hope to end a 35-year wait for a World Cup return.
Tuesday’s winner will progress to the six-team intercontinental playoff in Mexico this March, where only two teams will claim the final tickets to the 2026 World Cup. For the losing side, it will mean heartbreak and another long four-year wait.
A hostile atmosphere awaits
Iraq coach Graham Arnold is counting on a fierce home atmosphere to unsettle the visitors. Olaroiu, fully aware of what awaits, says his players must embrace the challenge.
“We have to be ready for the storm,” he warned. “They played in front of huge crowds against Saudi Arabia and again in Abu Dhabi. Now we must show the same belief. We can’t step back. To succeed, we must handle pressure — this is what makes us stronger.”
Defence and counterattacks crucial
Goalkeeper Khalid Eisa, heroic in the first leg, will again be vital as Iraq are expected to dominate possession. The UAE will rely on a compact defensive shape and fast breakaways to threaten their opponents.
Wingers Caio Canedo and Ali Saleh, who made an immediate impact off the bench in Abu Dhabi, will be essential in turning defence into attack with pace and stamina.
“This is like a final,” Olaroiu said. “Iraq have quality and confidence, with several players from Europe. But football is about proving yourself on the day — and this is our moment to show how strong we are.”
With everything to play for in Basra, the UAE brace for a fierce battle that will decide whether their World Cup dream survives or shatters.
