The UAE and Iraq face off in Basra on Tuesday in the second leg of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff.
Kickoff is at 8:00 pm UAE time.
The clash is finely balanced after a 1–1 draw in the first leg in Abu Dhabi last week, when Iraq took the lead through Ali Al Hamadi, and Luanzinho equalised for the UAE.
The winner will move on to the Intercontinental Playoffs in March, where the final two spots at the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, will be decided.
Holders Italy ease past Austria to reach Davis Cup semi-finals
Hosts Italy stayed on course for a Davis Cup 'three-peat' with a convincing victory over Austria in Bologna on Wednesday to set up a semi-final clash against Belgium.
PSG defender Hakimi wins African Footballer of the Year
Paris St Germain's Achraf Hakimi was named African Footballer of the Year at the 2025 CAF Awards in Rabat on Wednesday, the first defender to claim the prize in 52 years as he finished ahead of Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen in the voting.
New Zealand clinch ODI series against West Indies
Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra's early attack helped New Zealand beat West Indies by five wickets with three balls to spare in a rain-curtailed second one-day international in Napier to seal the three-game series 2-0 on Wednesday.
Federer to be inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame
Roger Federer will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) in an induction celebration set for August 2026 in Newport, Rhode Island, the ITHF said on Wednesday.
Tommy Fleetwood set for 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic
FedExCup Champion and World Number Four Tommy Fleetwood will take part at the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic, joining a strong field that already includes defending champion Tyrrell Hatton and reigning Masters Champion Rory McIlroy.
A red and yellow alert has been issued on Thursday by the UAE weather authorities as dense fog reduced visibility across some parts of the country.
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, will lead the UAE delegation at the 20th G20 Summit in Johannesburg on November 22 and 23.
The UN has praised the UAE's Arab Digital Economy vision, which offers a guiding reference and strategic roadmap for Arab countries in digital transformation, describing it as a leading model for advancing technological progress in the region.
