Iraq vs Vietnam

It’s a ‘make or break’ 2026 World Cup qualifying Group F finale for Vietnam as they take a trip to the Basra International Stadium to meet Iraq in a must-win showdown.

Iraq’s bid to qualify for their first World Cup finals since 1986 is going swimmingly after a flawless five-game run in Group F (W5) propelled them to the third qualifying stage as group winners with two games to spare. Despite boasting an intimidating +13 goal difference (GF:14, GA:1), the Lions of Mesopotamia squeaked past Vietnam 1-0 in the reverse fixture, suggesting they cannot take anything for granted if they’re to progress with a 100% record. But as that result extended Iraq’s dominant H2H run to four consecutive victories, anything other than three points for the Iraqis would be an upset. Adding to this sentiment, Jesus Casas’ men head into proceedings amidst a purple patch, having racked up six wins across their last seven internationals (L1), barring a goal-glutted 3-2 defeat to Jordan at the Asian Cup.

On the other hand, Vietnam’s qualification hopes hang by a thread ahead of the final kick-off, though a 3-2 home win against the Philippines last time out at least gave them a fighting chance. Fresh off snapping a three-game losing streak in the ongoing qualifying cycle, the visitors must better Indonesia’s result against the Philippines to clinch a runner-up spot at the death. That’s far-fetched, considering the Vietnamese must piece together back-to-back wins for the first time since September 2023 to hold up their end of the bargain. But since they’ve gone winless in all six meetings with Iraq in the 21st century (D1, L5), not even the most optimistic traveling fans would be on their side to defy the odds.