Lose and the wait for a World Cup spot could extend another four years. Win and there's a shot at one of the last two places in the expanded 48-team global tournament for 2026.

Iraq and United Arab Emirates each have one last chance to stay on the road to the 2026 World Cup in a two-game series in the fifth round of Asian qualification.

UAE hosts the first game at Abu Dhabi on Thursday, with the return leg to be played at Basra, Iraq, next Tuesday.

The winner will advance to FIFA’s intercontinental playoffs in March, joining five other teams from different confederations. Two spots at the World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will be up for grabs.

“Our first goal is to secure Iraq’s qualification to the World Cup, which is the most important achievement

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