Iraq secured their place in the knockout stage of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 with a late 2-0 victory over Sudan yesterday at Stadium 974 in Doha. The win, fueled by goals in the 81st and 84th minutes, ensures Iraq will finish among the top two in Group D. This Arab Cup result marks a significant step for the Iraqi team as they continue preparations for future international competitions.
The match saw a tense first half with limited scoring opportunities, but Iraq ultimately found their rhythm after halftime. Sudan, needing a win to keep their hopes alive, proved a challenging opponent, but were unable to capitalize on early pressure. The result leaves Sudan facing elimination unless they can secure a win against Bahrain in their final group stage match.
Iraq Advances in the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025
Iraq’s progression to the next round wasn’t without its challenges. Head coach Graham Arnold opted to rest key players Mohanad Ali and Aymen Hussein for the match against Sudan, a decision that initially saw the team struggle to find its footing. Sudan dominated the early stages, creating several near misses through Mohamed Abdelrhman, but failed to convert their chances.
Second-Half Surge
The introduction of Ali, Mustafa Saadoon, and Amjed Attwan in the 58th minute proved pivotal for Iraq. These substitutions injected fresh energy into the team and shifted the momentum. However, an early goal from Ali was disallowed for offside, adding to the tension.
The breakthrough finally came in the 81st minute when Ali capitalized on a defensive error following a free-kick, slotting the ball into the net. Just three minutes later, Attwan extended Iraq’s lead with a stunning strike from the edge of the box, effectively sealing the victory and their spot in the knockout stages. This football performance showcased Iraq’s resilience and tactical flexibility.
According to statements following the match, the Iraqi team is using the tournament as an opportunity to evaluate emerging talent. Attwan emphasized that the primary goal isn’t solely to win the Arab Cup, but to identify players who can contribute to the national team’s future, particularly in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He noted the coach is providing opportunities for younger players and those who haven’t had extensive national team experience.
Meanwhile, Sudan faces a difficult path forward. Their single point from two matches means they must defeat Bahrain in their final group game and rely on favorable results in other matches to have any chance of advancing. Bahrain, currently with three points, will also be looking to secure a win to guarantee their progression. The group stage has proven competitive, with several teams vying for qualification.
The Iraqi team will now turn their attention to their final Group D match against Algeria on Tuesday. This match will determine their seeding for the knockout stage. The outcome will also influence their potential opponents in the subsequent rounds. The Qatar-hosted competition continues to provide a valuable platform for regional teams to test their skills and prepare for future challenges.
The next steps involve the completion of the group stage matches, followed by the knockout rounds. The tournament schedule and potential matchups will become clearer as results come in. Observers will be watching closely to see how Iraq utilizes this experience to refine their squad and strategy ahead of World Cup qualifying, and whether Sudan can mount a late comeback to salvage their campaign.
