Iraq and the United Arab Emirates men's national football teams are set for their final push toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The first leg will take place this Friday in Abu Dhabi, with the decisive second leg moving to Basra, Iraq, next Wednesday. The winner will qualify for next March's FIFA intercontinental playoff, vying for the last two spots in the World Cup.

Iraq head coach Graham Arnold stated: "Our primary objective is to secure Iraq's place at the World Cup—that is the most significant achievement for us." Arnold, who previously guided Australia to the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup, took charge of Iraq in March this year. He aims to help the team return to the World Cup stage for the first time since 1986.

Both Iraq and the UAE failed to secure direct qualification in the previous Asian qualifying stage. Arnold voiced dissatisfaction with the scheduling of the previous round, noting that Qatar and Saudi Arabia enjoyed home-field advantage and longer rest periods. However, he expressed hope that the support of 60,000 home fans in Basra during the second leg would provide a significant boost.

UAE head coach Cosmin Olaroiu also expressed disappointment with the previous round's outcome, but urged his team to focus on the present: "We must forget the match against Qatar. We still have a chance to qualify for the World Cup, and we must seize it. Against Iraq, we must perform at our absolute best."

This two-legged showdown will determine which team retains its dream of competing at the USA-Canada-Mexico World Cup.