The Khalifa International Stadium in Al-Rayyan witnessed a dramatic and tension-filled showdown on December 9, 2025, as Algeria secured a decisive 2-0 victory over Iraq in the final group-stage clash of the FIFA Arab Cup. The match, which was expected to be a close contest for the top spot in Group D, quickly turned into a tale of controversy, resilience, and high stakes football as both teams battled not just for points, but for momentum heading into the tournament’s knockout rounds.
From the opening whistle, the atmosphere was electric. Both sets of fans filled the stands, their cheers echoing through the stadium and setting the stage for a memorable encounter. Yet, the game’s script took a stunning twist in only the fifth minute when Iraqi midfielder Hussein Ali was initially shown a yellow card for a foul. The referee, after consulting VAR, upgraded the decision to a straight red. Ali, visibly distraught, had to be led off the pitch, leaving Iraq with ten men for nearly the entire match. This early setback changed the complexion of the contest entirely.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Iraq showed remarkable discipline and determination. Head coach Graham Arnold, speaking after the match, expressed nothing but pride in his squad’s effort. “The players showed exceptional resilience, especially after being reduced to ten men early in the match. They fought from the first minute and maintained discipline despite the numerical disadvantage,” Arnold stated, according to IraqiNews.com. He urged his team to put the defeat behind them quickly, emphasizing that the focus must now shift to the upcoming quarter-final against Jordan.
On the pitch, Algeria initially struggled to capitalize on their one-man advantage. The first half was marked by high intensity but low clarity, with both teams committing numerous fouls and neither side able to create clear-cut chances. Iraq’s defense, despite being a man down, held firm as the minutes ticked by. The tension was palpable, with every Algerian attack met by a wall of determined Iraqi defenders and every clearance cheered by the Iraqi faithful.
As halftime approached, it seemed Iraq might just hold out. But in stoppage time, the deadlock was finally broken. Mohamed Amine Tougai found the back of the net for Algeria, latching on to an assist from Redouane Berkane. The referee took a moment to consult VAR for a possible foul, but the goal stood. Algeria entered the break with a slender 1-0 lead, and the momentum had swung decisively in their favor.
The second half began with both teams making tactical adjustments. Iraq introduced Akam Hashim and Ali Jasim in an attempt to inject fresh legs and energy, while Algeria maintained their attacking posture. Just eleven minutes after the restart, Algeria doubled their advantage in unfortunate fashion for Iraq. Defender Suad Natiq, under pressure, inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, giving Algeria a comfortable 2-0 lead. The own goal was a cruel blow to an Iraqi side already stretched thin.
Algeria, now fully in control, dominated possession—at one point boasting 70% of the ball—and continued to press for a third goal. Iraq, meanwhile, struggled to mount any sustained attacks, managing only four shots on goal throughout the match. The physical and mental toll of playing with ten men was evident, yet the team’s resolve never wavered. The final minutes saw Iraq pushing forward desperately, launching long passes in hopes of a late comeback, but Algeria’s defense held firm.
As the referee signaled the end of the match after five minutes of injury time, Algeria celebrated a vital victory. The win propelled them to the top of Group D with seven points, while Iraq, despite the loss, finished second with six points, having already secured their place in the quarter-finals before this match. The result also meant that both teams’ journeys in the Arab Cup would continue, with Algeria set to face the UAE and Iraq preparing for a crucial showdown with Jordan on December 12.
Reflecting on the loss, Iraq’s coach Arnold remained positive, reiterating the importance of looking ahead. “Reaching the quarter-finals was the team’s first goal, and the next target is to advance to the semi-finals,” he said. Arnold also highlighted the progress of Jordan, describing their upcoming opponents as a team with remarkable development. He noted that the Iraqi coaching staff would assess the squad’s injury situation, including the condition of key striker Muhanad Ali (Mimi), before the next match.
The match itself will be remembered not just for the goals and the result, but for the early red card and the way it shaped the contest. Some fans and pundits questioned the severity of the decision, while others pointed to Algeria’s professionalism in exploiting their advantage and sealing the group’s top spot. The controversy and drama only added to the spectacle, underscoring the unpredictable nature of tournament football.
Elsewhere in Group D, Bahrain defeated Sudan 3-1, but the result had little impact on the standings as both Algeria and Iraq had already clinched their quarter-final berths. The focus now shifts to the knockout stage, where the stakes are even higher and every mistake could mean the end of the road.
For Iraq, the challenge is clear: regroup, recover, and channel the same fighting spirit that kept them competitive against Algeria, even with ten men. For Algeria, the victory sends a strong message to the rest of the field—they are peaking at the right time and will be a formidable force as the Arab Cup enters its decisive phase.
With both teams advancing, the excitement in Qatar is only building. Fans can look forward to more drama, more passion, and perhaps a few more surprises as the FIFA Arab Cup continues.
