Kuwait and Iraq End in 2-2 Draw in World Cup Qualifier

In an exciting match on Thursday in the seventh round of the third stage of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Kuwait drew with Iraq in a competitive match that ended in a 2-2 tie at Basra International Stadium.

Kuwait started the game in high spirits, having momentum from their impressive performance in the Khaleeji Zain 26 tournament. They played a well disciplined defense and efficient counterattacks, which yielded off when veteran forward Yousef Nasser scored in the 39th minute, leading his team to a 1-0 advantage.

The latter half witnessed Kuwait continuing their defensive form while trying to capitalize on further chances. They got their reward in the 70th minute when Nasser scored again, doubling Kuwait’s advantage and putting them firmly in command. But Iraq never gave up and staged a miraculous comeback during the stoppage time. Akam Hashim scored one for Iraq in the 93rd minute and hope was rekindled among the home fans. Only eight minutes from time Ibrahim Bayesh leveled the scores in the 101st minute to rescue a vital point for Iraq.

With this outcome, Kuwait now has five points in Group B and Iraq goes up to 12 points. South Korea takes the lead at 15 points and Jordan and Iraq follow with 12 each. Oman is fourth with seven points, while Palestine remains at the bottom with three.