Iraq Keeps World Cup Hopes Alive With Late Winner Against UAE
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Iraq kept its 2026 World Cup hopes alive by beating the United Arab Emirates 3-2 on aggregate after a dramatic stoppage-time penalty Tuesday in Asian qualifying.
Amir Al-Ammari's penalty in the 17th minute of added time sealed the 2-1 victory on the night to send Iraq to the intercontinental playoff round in March. The teams had drawn 1-1 in the first leg in Abu Dhabi.
In March, Iraq will be one of six teams from five confederations competing for two spots at next summer’s World Cup.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}With the loss, the UAE was eliminated from qualifying.
Caio Lucas put the UAE ahead seven minutes after halftime.
Mohanad Ali equalized midway through the second half, heading in from a free kick before Iraq pressed for a winner. The breakthrough came deep into stoppage time after a handball in the area.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Reporting by The Associated Press.
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