The Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup witnessed a dramatic showdown on Thursday, March 20, 2025, as Iraq pulled off a thrilling 2-2 draw against Kuwait at Basra International Stadium. This match, part of the seventh round of qualifiers, delivered plenty of late-game excitement, leaving fans on both sides holding their breath.
Kuwait looked poised for victory, thanks to an impressive performance by Youssef Nasser, who scored both of their goals during a strong first and second half. Nasser found the net in the 39th minute and again in the 70th, putting the Kuwaiti team up 2-0 and igniting hopes for a much-needed win as they campaigned to qualify for the World Cup.
However, Iraq's response was nothing short of sensational. In a remarkable comeback that showcased their fighting spirit, Akam Hashem struck first for Iraq in the dying moments of the game, scoring in the 90+3 minute to reduce the deficit. As tensions rose, it was Ibrahim Bayesh who made sure the match ended on an exhilarating note. He scored a stunning equalizer in the 11th minute of stoppage time, sealing the draw at 2-2 and sending the home crowd into eruptions of joy. "Ibrahim Bayesh scored in the 11th minute of added time to equalize the match," reported local sports news, capturing the sentiment of the Iraqi supporters.
The match was as dramatic as it was intense. Despite trailing, Iraq refused to concede defeat, fighting back in front of a passionate home crowd that rallied support until the final whistle. The encounter was not without tension; after Iraq's second goal, protests arose from the Kuwaiti coaching staff, which included a sending-off of one of their members.
Following the match, Iraq's points total climbed to 12, putting them third in their qualifying group, behind South Korea, who leads with 15 points. Meanwhile, Kuwait, who started the day on a hopeful note, ended with only 5 points, leaving them struggling in fifth place. This result leaves Iraq in a strong position but keeps Kuwait's hopes alive.
As the teams took to the field, Iraq was favored, having secured 11 points ahead of the match. Kuwait was in fifth place, under pressure to perform after a series of lackluster results. The stakes for both teams could not have been higher, as they each sought to solidify their paths toward the World Cup. Representatives from both sides had acknowledged the match's importance in the days leading up to kickoff.
The game developed into a fierce contest, with Kuwait's impressive tactics yielding them critical goals, yet Iraq's resilience spoke volumes. With only three points separating Iraq from the top spot, they are still well within reach of securing a favorable position leading to the tournament.
The repercussions of the match weigh heavily on both teams' futures in the tournament. Iraq, buoyed by the draw, will look to capitalize on momentum in their upcoming fixtures, while Kuwait’s chances of qualifying remain tenuous. The tournament continues to be tightly contested, and with more rounds to play, both teams will be keenly focusing on their performances in the coming weeks.
In conclusion, the thrilling 2-2 draw between Iraq and Kuwait not only reflected the drama typical of international football but also underscored the high stakes involved in qualifying for the World Cup. The fans have a lot to look forward to as both teams approach their next matches, each hoping to surge ahead on their path to the prestigious tournament.
