Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup Tickets: Forty seconds were left in the last group encounter of round four in the Asian zone of. World Cup qualification. When Hasan Abdul Kareem launched his free kick toward the net. From 35 yards away. It was more of a hopeful attempt than a clear-cut chance. but as it sailed over the Saudi Arabian wall and started to dip.
Iraq has qualified for the FIFA World Cup only once, back in 1986. For nearly 40 years of close calls, they have fallen short of qualification in play-offs by two points and smooth through suspension. Another heartbreak appeared imminent. Al-Aqidi thrust both fists toward the ball and managed to parry it aside, leaving Abdul Kareem with his face buried in his hands.
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the home confederation of the final event) where the last two berths in the World Cup’s 48-team lineup will be determined. Saudi Arabia and Qatar were granted the hosting privileges for all three fixtures in their respective groups under relatively unclear circumstances, even though teams had been previously informed that this round was to occur at neutral locations. Click to read more.
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The 0-0 stalemate in Jeddah two weeks earlier sent Saudi Arabia through to the finals in North America next June and July, progressing on goals scored. Iraq would need to contest a two-legged AFC play-off next month for a chance to move on to a global six-team repechage in March. Their rivals in that play-off were confirmed on the same day, roughly 1,000 miles across the Arabian Peninsula in Doha.
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In its triumphant bid to host the 2022 World Cup, one of Qatar’s main promises was ensuring the safety of spectators in the nation. Yet here, after Qatar defeated the United Arab Emirates 2-1, surpassing them to qualify outright and pushing their opponents toward a showdown with Iraq. Traveling Emirati fans began rioting in the stands.
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Rage over the defeat triggered the shocking scenes, with supporters dressed in bishts even storming the pitch, though another controversy fueled their fury. In both contests, the side that advanced had home-field advantage — in a stage that, under the initial arrangement, was supposed to be played at neutral grounds throughout. Additionally, both host nations had gained an extra three-day break compared to their adversaries.
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Since Qatar and Saudi Arabia had both secured rights to host a World Cup, Iraqi and Emirati supporters protested bitterly, believing the qualification system had been biased against them. I’ve worked for four decades in football. And this is not fair competition, Oman coach Carlos Queiroz stated in a pre-match media briefing.
FIFA World Cup Tickets: Iraq Set for Crucial AFC Play-off Against UAE Next Month
Adding that he and his players must accept that reality. Within the Asian Football Confederation. The World Cup involves 46 nations of vastly differing quality, all contending for eight guaranteed berths. In the opening round, the 20 Asian teams with the lowest FIFA ranking positions face each other in two-legged knockouts. Immediately eliminating 10 nations.
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The 10 victors then join the remaining 26 teams in round two, where nine groups of four sides compete home and away. The top two from each pool progress, while the bottom two are eliminated. Round three presents the first true opportunity to claim qualification. The 18 surviving sides are arranged into three groups of six.
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Once again, playing both home and away matches, with the top two from each section after 10 fixtures earning automatic entry to the World Cup. Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, Australia, and Japan clinched their participation for next summer at the conclusion of this phase. The fifth- and sixth-placed nations from the round three tables are knocked out.
But those finishing third and fourth (six in all) proceed to round four. There, in two groups of three, a round-robin mini-tournament unfolds, with the teams topping each group booking their places for North America. The two runners-up from round four then clash in a two-leg play-off, with the winner moving on to one of two inter-confederation three-team single-leg play-off brackets in March.
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Q1. What was the result of the Iraq vs Saudi Arabia match?
A1. The game ended 0–0 in Jeddah, sending Saudi Arabia through to the FIFA World Cup 2026 on goals scored, while Iraq must now play in the AFC play-offs.
Q2. Has Iraq ever qualified for the FIFA World Cup before?
A2. Yes, Iraq has qualified only once — for the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. They have narrowly missed out several times since then.
Q3. Who will Iraq face in the next qualification round?
A3. Iraq will play the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a two-legged AFC play-off next month for a chance to advance to the intercontinental repackage in March.
Q4. Why is there controversy over Saudi Arabia and Qatar hosting matches?
A4. Both nations hosted fixtures that were originally scheduled to be held at neutral venues, gaining home-field advantage and extra rest days, which angered rival teams and fans.
Q5. How does the AFC World Cup qualification system work?
A5. The AFC qualifiers involve 46 nations across several rounds — starting with knockouts, then group stages, and mini-leagues. The top 8 teams qualify directly, while others fight through play-offs and intercontinental repackage rounds for the final spots.
