Iraq's Zidane Iqbal on beating UAE, 'crazy' atmosphere in Basra and being one game away from World Cup

Iraq defeated UAE 2-1 in the second leg of the World Cup qualifier play-off last week in Basra, thanks to Amir Al Ammari’s dramatic penalty winner in the 17th minute of added time. It sealed a 3-2 aggregate win and took Iraq a step closer to next year's finals in North America.

Former Manchester United youngster Zidane Iqbal, 22, now with Utrecht in the Netherlands, came off the bench with his side 1-0 down. He was influential in changing the game and The National spoke to him after he got off his flight back from Iraq.

Q: How did it feel to defeat UAE and be only a game away from Iraq’s first World Cup finals for 40 years?

A: Honestly, it was surreal. We were 1-0 down, then we equalised and when I heard the noise the fans made I knew we had a winner in us. I looked around and I saw my boys, everyone jumping, everyone pumped up. It was like we had another 10 per cent energy.

It’s hard to describe it, but I got goosebumps. Then we got a penalty in the last minute. I saw the corner come in and the ball hit someone's hand, but I wasn't that sure that would be handball from my angle.

Then I saw the referee touching his ear, speaking to someone. And you know that when he does the VAR sign, he's going to have a look at a screen with a high chance of giving the penalty.

The referee came back, did the square with his hands and pointed at the penalty spot. The crowd just went crazy, 60,000 people. Wow!

Iraq players celebrate after their World Cup play-off victory over the UAE at Basra International Stadium on November 18, 2025. Reuters Ecstastic Iraq players celebrate their 2-1 win on the night over the UAE and a 3-2 aggregate win. Reuters Mohannad Ali celebrates scoring Iraq's first goal. Reuters UAE attacker Caio Lucas makes it 1-0 in Basra. Reuters Caio Lucas celebrates scoring for UAE. Reuters UAE's Kouame Autonne wins a header. Reuters UAE's Alaeddine Zouhir slides in the win the ball from Sherko Kareem of Iraq. Reuters UAE coach Cosmin Olaroiu. Reuters UAE's Marcus Meloni under pressure from Ali Jasim of Iraq. Reuters Iraq coach Graham Arnold before the game. Reuters UAE fans at Basra International Stadium. Reuters Iraq fans in the stands at Basra International Stadium. Reuters UAE fans at Basra International Stadium. Reuters fans ahead of the match in Basra. Aymen Al Ameri / The National Fans ahead of the game in Basra. Aymen Al Ameri / The National

How do you think Iraq played?

At the start, the team was a bit nervous and a bit wary because we knew the consequences if we lost. It was a very high-stakes game, nobody wanted to make a mistake, but we also must show our personality a bit more.

We went 1-0 down, but that also meant we had nothing to lose and we could go for it. I thought we deserved to win and thankfully we did because our dream's still alive and now we're 90 minutes away from cementing our names in Iraqi football history.

We've been waiting for a long time and all sharing the same goal. It'll be nice to pay fans back because they support us so much and I think it's only right they get to watch us at a World Cup.

You’ve been injured and came on with 40 minutes to play. Was it difficult entering the game like that?

Having no pre-season was tough as that’s where you gain your fitness.