Khaberni - The Iraqi national team ignited the competition for the direct qualification card to the 2026 World Cup finals, within Group Two of the Asian qualifiers, which also includes Saudi Arabia and Indonesia.
The "Lions of Mesopotamia" won their match against the Indonesian national team with a goal to none on Saturday, at the Al-Enmaa Stadium in King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah as part of the fourth round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Iraqi national team harvested its first three points in the competition, while Indonesia was out of the race for the World Cup card after also losing the last round against Saudi Arabia 3-2.
Thus, Iraq awaits the decisive encounter with Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for the qualification to the World Cup finals.
The only Iraqi goal was scored by Zidane Iqbal with a shot from outside the penalty area at the 78th minute.
What do both teams need to reach the global celebration?
The Iraqi national team needs to win its second match against "the Saudi Green" to ensure direct qualification to the World Cup, whereas a draw might enter it into tight calculations that could thrust it into playing the global playoff.
Conversely, a draw is enough for the Saudi national team to snatch the direct qualification card for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as it surpasses the "Lions of Mesopotamia" team in terms of scoring more goals.
Group Two standings:
1-Saudi Arabia (3 points, +1).
2-Iraq (3 points, +1).
3-Indonesia (no points, -2).
