The Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City was the stage for a crucial encounter in the FIFA World Cup 26™ AFC Qualifiers as the Kuwait Republic National Football Team faced off against the Iraq National Football Team in Group B on 10th September 2024. Both teams came into the match needing points to improve their standings in a tightly contested group. With a historic rivalry and both teams eager to secure their place in the FIFA World Cup 26™, the tension was palpable.
Kuwait Republic National Football Team vs Iraq National Football Team Head to Head Record
The FIFA World Cup 26™ AFC Qualifiers encounter between Kuwait and Iraq was expected to be a close contest. Historically, the teams have had closely contested matches, with Iraq slightly ahead in wins. Here’s the breakdown of their head-to-head record:
| Team | Wins | Draws | Losses |
| Kuwait | 0 | 3 | 2 |
| Iraq | 2 | 3 | 0 |
Recent Meetings
- Friendlies 3: Iraq 0-0 Kuwait (20:30)
- Friendlies 3: Iraq 0-0 Kuwait (17:30)
- Round Three – Group B: Kuwait 0-0 Iraq (23:30)
Kuwait Republic National Football Team vs Iraq National Football Team Lineups and Substitutes
Kuwait (5-4-1)
- Goalkeeper: Sulaiman Abdulghafour
- Defenders: Sami Alsaneca, Meshari Alenezi, Moaath Alenezi (67’), Khaled Hajiah, Fahed Al Hajri
- Midfielders: Sultan Al Enezi (63’), Ahmad Aldhefeery (67’), Hamad Alharbi (63’), Redha Abujabarah (63’), Athbi Shehab Saleh
- Forward: Faisal Zayid (63’), Eid Alrashidi
Substitutes: Abdulrahman Kameel, Abdulrahman Alfadli, Salman Almutairi, Yousef Majed, Ali Khalaf, Salman Al-Awadhi, Rashed Aldousari, Mohammad Abdullah
Iraq (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Jalal Hassan (C)
- Defenders: Rebin Ghareeb, Zaid Tahseen, Ahmed Yahya, Merchad Doski
- Midfielders: Ibrahim Bayesh (73’), Zidane Iqbal, Safaa Hadi (83’), Amir Al-Ammari, Mustafa Saadoon (72’)
- Forward: Ali Al Hamadi (45’), Mohanad Ali (88’), Youssef Amyn (89’)
Substitutes: Ali Kadhim, Hussein Hasan, Hussein Ali (72’), Suad Natiq, Munaf Younus, Danilo Al Saed (73’), Louai El Ani, Mohamed Al-Taay, Osamah Jabbar
Kuwait Republic National Football Team vs Iraq National Football Team Match Report
The match kicked off at 23:30, with Kuwait eager to exploit their home advantage, while Iraq sought to impose their strategy on their familiar rivals. However, neither side could break the deadlock, and the match ended 0-0 despite numerous attempts on goal from both sides.
First Half
The opening half saw a cautious start from both teams. Iraq’s Rebin Ghareeb was sent off early in the 7th minute for a reckless foul, reducing Iraq to ten men. This unexpected turn gave Kuwait an advantage, but they struggled to capitalize on it as Iraq’s defense held firm.
Kuwait tried to take control, with Mohammad Abdullah and Redha Abujabarah making dangerous advances, but Iraq’s defense, led by goalkeeper Jalal Hassan, stood resilient. Several fouls halted the flow of play, with both teams committing a series of infractions as they vied for dominance.
Half Time Score: Kuwait 0-0 Iraq
Second Half
The second half was more intense as Kuwait attempted to make the most of their numerical advantage. They dominated possession but found it difficult to penetrate Iraq’s deep defensive lines. Eid Alrashidi and Fahad Alhajeri both came close, but Iraqi goalkeeper Jalal Hassan pulled off critical saves.
Iraq, despite being a man down, showed flashes of attacking intent through players like Mohanad Ali and Ibrahim Bayesh. However, both teams failed to convert their chances, leaving the scoreline unchanged.
Full Time Score: Kuwait 0-0 Iraq
Kuwait Republic National Football Team vs Iraq National Football Team Stats Table
| Kuwait vs Iraq Stats | Kuwait | Iraq |
| Shots | 8 | 7 |
| Shots on Target | 4 | 4 |
| Possession (%) | 55 | 45 |
| Fouls | 17 | 14 |
| Corners | 2 | 4 |
| Yellow Cards | 0 | 1 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 1 |
Kuwait Republic National Football Team vs Iraq National Football Team Timeline
- 7′: Rebin Ghareeb (Iraq) sent off for a dangerous foul.
- 45′: Substitution (Iraq) – Ali Jasim replaces Ali Al Hamadi.
- 63′: Substitution (Kuwait) – Eid Alrashidi replaces Faisal Zayid.
- 73′: Substitution (Iraq) – Danilo Al Saed replaces Ibrahim Bayesh.
- 88′: Substitution (Iraq) – Mohanad Ali replaces Youssef Amyn.
Kuwait Republic National Football Team vs Iraq National Football Team Impact on the Points Table
The result had significant implications for both teams in Group B of the FIFA World Cup 26™ AFC Qualifiers. Kuwait remains in a difficult position after drawing yet another match. Iraq, despite playing much of the game with ten men, will be satisfied with a point that keeps them within touching distance of qualification.
Kuwait Republic National Football Team vs Iraq National Football Team Man of the Match
Despite the stalemate, Jalal Hassan of Iraq was the standout performer, making several critical saves to deny Kuwait from converting their chances, earning him the well-deserved Man of the Match title.
The FIFA World Cup 26™ AFC Qualifiers match between Kuwait Republic National Football Team and Iraq National Football Team ended in a goalless draw, but it was far from uneventful. Kuwait will rue their missed opportunities, especially against a ten-man Iraq side. On the other hand, Iraq will take pride in their resilient performance, which keeps them competitive in Group B. With more matches to play, both teams must improve if they want to secure qualification to the FIFA World Cup 26™.
