Article by Alexandru Stanciu – published Tuesday, October 14, 2025, 23:41 / Updated Tuesday, October 14, 2025 23:42
The national of the United Arab Emirates, prepared by Cosmin Olăroiu (56 years old) will play with Iraq for a place in the 6 of the decisive play-off to qualify for the 2026 World Championship.
Iraq ended Group B in second place after the “white” draw obtained in traveling with Saudi Arabia, which managed direct qualification.
The first match will be played in the United Arab Emirates on November 13, and the return will take place in Iraq on November 18th.
The United Arab Emirates will play with Iraq for a place in the decisive play-off of the 2026 World Championship
The United Arab Emirates needed at least one draw to ensure their presence at the World Championship, but Qatar managed to impose on the score of 2-1, at the end of an incendiary match.
Khoukhi opened the score in the 49th minute with a header, following a free kick from the edge of the box, and Pedro Miguel doubled the advantage in the 74th minute, after the Eisa goalkeeper positioned the wrong.
Cosmin Olăroiu's selection reduced the difference through Adil, in the 90+8 minute, but the United Arab Emirates failed to score a goal in the 15 minutes of extension.
Thus, the national team led by Cosmin Olăroiu ended the 2nd place and qualified in Asia's play-off for the 2026 World Championship.
The winner between the United Arab Emirates and will get one of the 6 tickets for the decisive play-off of the World Championship.
At the play-offs in March, 6 teams will be attended, which will be assigned as follows:
-
Asia: The winner of the play-off in the Round 5
-
Africa: The winner of the play-off in round 2
-
North America: The best two seats 2 in round 3
-
South America: 7th place in the single qualification round (Bolivia)
-
Oceania: 2nd place in round 3 (New Caledonia)
From South America, Bolivia has ensured her presence, as well as New Caledonia, from Oceania.
From Africa will come the winner of the play-off from round 2, which will decide between Gabon, Camero, Nigeria, Burkina Faso/Dr Congo. From Central and North America will qualify the best two places 2, out of the 3 groups.
The main two favorites at the international play-off will be Bolivia, from South America, and the team that will represent the African continent.
