United Arab Emirates vs Iraq Prediction 13.11.2025 | WC Qualifier Asia

Despite having their 2026 World Cup qualification fate largely under control, the United Arab Emirates faltered at the most crucial moment, falling 2-1 to Qatar. The defeat dropped them to second place, meaning they will now have to fight for a new chance through the play-offs.

The Sons of Zayed are aiming to make a return to the World Cup finals for the first time since 1990, when they made their sole appearance on the global stage. Now, they have the opportunity to end this three-decade drought, though they will need to prove themselves in a decisive two-legged tie.

The UAE will enter the first leg with high expectations, as they have been a difficult side to break down at home during these qualifiers, remaining unbeaten in five such matches (W3 D2).

Al Jazira duo Mohammed Rabii and Richard Akonnor have received their first international call-ups, but they are likely to start on the bench, with coach Cosmin Olaroiu relying on his tried-and-tested options at full-back.

Iraq have every reason to feel the sting of missing out on a World Cup spot, falling short in the fourth stage due to being outshone offensively by Saudi Arabia. Finishing second means the Lions of Mesopotamia will now need to navigate an additional two matches to secure their ticket for next June.

Historically, Iraq last graced the World Cup stage a full four decades ago, making this near-miss even more poignant. With the expanded format of this edition, they came tantalizingly close to ending a long absence from football’s biggest stage.

Encouragingly, the national team arrive for this decisive two-legged clash with heads held high, having regained strong form recently. They boast an unbeaten run of five consecutive matches, winning four of them and keeping clean sheets in the process.

There are no newcomers for Iraq in these November internationals, and coach Graham Arnold is expected to stick with the XI that bravely battled Saudi Arabia to a nil-nil draw, maintaining the faith in the players who came so close to glory.