2026 World Cup: Mexico to Host Intercontinental Playoffs in Guadalajara, Monterrey
Mexican cities Guadalajara and Monterrey will host the intercontinental playoff tournament for the 2026 World Cup, FIFA announced Wednesday.
Iraq Sport News
Italy has to beat Northern Ireland then Wales or Bosnia to return to the World Cup
Italy will first host Northern Ireland in a World Cup qualifying playoff in March but then would go on the road to reach its first tournament after back-to-back failures at this stage.
2026 World Cup draw: Top seeds set in latest FIFA rankings - ESPN
The top-seeded teams for the Dec. 5 World Cup tournament draw, including Germany but not Croatia, were set Wednesday when FIFA published new rankings the day after four continents completed qualifying.
McClaren steps down after Jamaica's draw with Curacao
(Corrects spelling of McClaren in headline)
Iraq Keeps World Cup Hopes Alive With Late Winner Against UAE
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.
Iraq down UAE in World Cup qualifying with late Al-Ammari penalty
Iraq scored a penalty 17 minutes into stoppage time to claim a dramatic 2-1 home win over the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday and secure a 3-2 aggregate playoff victory over their neighbours that keeps the country's World Cup qualification dream alive.
Salah Eddine Hamli chases lifelong dream in PFL MENA Championship showdown
DUBAI: Salah Eddine Hamli will step into the SmartCage in Alkhobar on Dec. 5 carrying more than just the weight of an undefeated record.
UAE and Iraq draw 1-1 in first leg of 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates: The United Arab Emirates and Iraq drew 1-1 Thursday in the first leg of their 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff in Abu Dhabi. The teams will travel to the Iraqi port city of Basra for Tuesday’s return match in the fifth round of Asian qualifying. The winner will then advance to FIFA’s intercontinental playoff round in March, when six teams from five confederations will compete for two spots at next summer’s expanded 48-team World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. In front of a sellout crowd of 36,000 at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Iraq — whose only World Cup appearance came in 1986 — took the lead after just 10 minutes. The UAE defense failed to clear a long free kick into the area, allowing the ball to drop to Ali Al-Hamadi. The Luton forward hooked home from close range to give Iraq, coached by former Australia manager Graham Arnold, a 1-0 lead. It lasted only eight minutes.