Latest news with #AFCWorldCupQualifiers
Iraqi News
26-03-2025
- Sport
- Iraqi News
Iraq suffers shock defeat to Palestine in AFC World Cup Qualifiers
Baghdad ( – In a stunning turn of events, Iraq fell to Palestine in a dramatic 2-1 loss during the AFC World Cup Qualifiers on Tuesday at Amman International Stadium in Jordan. The result places Iraq in third place in Group B, jeopardizing their automatic qualification hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Iraq took the lead in the 34th minute when Aymen Hussein headed in a well-placed cross from Ibrahim Bayesh. However, Palestine responded in the dying moments of regular time, with Abou Ali finding the back of the net to level the score. Just when the match seemed destined for a draw, Ameed Mahajneh sealed a historic victory for Palestine with a powerful header off a corner seven minutes into injury time. The loss is a major setback for Iraq, as only the top two teams from each of the three remaining six-team groups will qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup. South Korea and Jordan currently occupy the top two spots in Group B with 16 and 13 points, respectively, while Iraq must now fight to keep their qualification hopes alive in the remaining matches. The teams who finished third and fourth go to a subsequent playoff round in hopes of earning spots in the tournament the following year.
Daily Tribune
26-03-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Indonesia Exact Revenge on Bahrain in Jakarta with Vital Win
Late Push Not Enough as Bahrain Suffer Setback in World Cup Qualification Bahrain's World Cup qualification campaign faced another setback yesterday in Jakarta, where they fell 1-0 to Indonesia in a cagey 90 minutes during the AFC World Cup Qualifiers. This loss compounds the sting of their recent 2-0 defeat to Japan on March 20, leaving Bahrain reeling as they struggle to find form in the third round. Meanwhile, Indonesia, buoyed by these 3 points, bounced back from a bruising 5-1 loss to Australia five days prior, exacting revenge on Bahrain after a controversial history. In their last meeting on October 10, 2024, Bahrain's stoppage-time equalizer—scored past the allotted extra minutes—snatched a draw, sparking outrage among Indonesian fans and a wave of backlash. Yesterday, at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Indonesia ensured no such late drama denied them victory. Starting Lineups Bahrain XI: 22 Ebrahim Lutfallah (GK), 17 Ahmed Bougammar, 3 Waleed Al Hayam, 16 Al Sayyid Mahdi Baqer, 23 Abdullah Al Khayaat, 4 Al Sayyid Dhiyaa Saeed, 20 Mahdi Humaidan, 10 Komail Al Aswad, 7 Ali Madan, 8 Mohamed Marhoon, 12 Mahdi Abduljabbar. Indonesia XI: Paes (GK), Diks, Idzes, Ridho, Hubner, Verdonk, Haye, Pelupessy, Marselino, Oratmangoen, Romeny. Jakarta Erupts as Romeny Strikes The Gelora Bung Karno Stadium was electric as Indonesia took the lead in the first half through Ragnar Oratmangoen. The Dutch-born forward capped a swift attacking move, sending the home crowd into early jubilation and putting Bahrain on the defensive early in the match. Bahrain Fight Back but Can't Break Through Bahrain came out revitalized after the break, pressing high and crafting chances. Midfielders Komail Al Aswad and Mohammed Marhoon orchestrated play, while forwards Mahdi Humaidan and Mahdi Abduljabbar tested Indonesia's backline. Defender Waleed Al Hayam nearly equalized with a header that sailed just over, and in stoppage time, substitute Ali Madan's volley drew a superb save from goalkeeper Paes. Group C Context The Indonesia-Bahrain match was one of three Group C matches played yesterday. Earlier, Japan and Saudi Arabia played out a 0-0 draw in Saitama, a result that kept Japan atop the group despite their already-secured qualification. Meanwhile, Australia strengthened their position with a 2-0 win over China in Hangzhou, underlining their consistency on the road. These outcomes frame Bahrain's loss as a missed opportunity to gain ground in a tightly contested group. Current Standings - Group C Japan (qualified) - 20 points Australia - 13 points Saudi Arabia - 10 points Indonesia - 9 points Bahrain - 6 points China - 6 points Bahrain's Final Push Bahrain vs Saudi Arabia – June 5 at Bahrain National Stadium, 1 PM China vs Bahrain – June 10 at Xiamen Egret Stadium, China, 1 PM What's Next for Bahrain?
Iraqi News
25-03-2025
- Sport
- Iraqi News
Iraq set to face Palestine in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
Baghdad ( – Iraq is gearing up today for a crucial clash against Palestine in the AFC World Cup Qualifiers as part of Group B. The match will take place at Amman International Stadium in Jordan, a venue that has hosted several key international fixtures as a neutral ground. Currently, Iraq sits in third place in the group standings with 12 points, trailing behind South Korea and Jordan. However, they remain ahead of Oman, Kuwait, and Palestine. This encounter presents a vital opportunity for Iraq to strengthen their position in the group and keep their World Cup hopes alive. Palestine, on the other hand, will be looking to cause an upset and earn valuable points in their campaign. With both teams eager for a positive result, fans can expect an intense and competitive showdown on the pitch.
