The Iraq national team overcame Indonesia with a hard-fought 1-0 victory on Saturday evening at the “Al Inma” Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, during the second round of Group 2 in the Asian playoff for the 2026 World Cup qualification.

Zidan Iqbal scored the match’s only goal in the 76th minute, giving Iraq, led by coach Graham Arnold, a valuable 3 points, tying with Saudi Arabia but the Saudis lead on goal difference ahead of their upcoming match on Tuesday in the final round.

The match started with Iraq players trying to control possession and exchange passes, but without offensive initiative towards the Indonesian goal in the first five minutes.

The first threat came from Indonesia, who sent a cross that the Iraqi defense calmly handled, followed by a wasted shot from the Indonesian team, missing a close chance in the 8th minute in front of Iraq’s goal.

Bashar Resan advanced on the left flank and tried to dribble, but the attack did not materialize for the Lions of Mesopotamia. Indonesia continued its midfield movements and nearly scored after a dangerous cross that defenders cleared before it reached the net.

An Indonesian header also missed after a dangerous cross amid a declining Iraqi performance without threat.

Iraq’s Hussein Ali suffered a strong injury due to a harsh tackle in midfield.

Iraq wasted its first attempt in the 28th minute after a dangerous cross that Shirko headed over the bar in Iraq’s first shot towards the Indonesian goal.

Indonesia missed a close chance through the dangerous player Maru, and the post denied a dangerous chance by Indonesia’s Reinders after a cross shot, but the play was ruled offside.

Indonesia missed another close attempt with a cross that Maru failed to convert into a goal, while Iraq’s performance raised questions due to the lack of dangerous attempts or organized attacks towards the opponent’s goal.

Iraq sent a cross that did not result in danger, while Bashar Resan tried a quick run but without effectiveness, and the first half ended goalless.

Second Half

The performance changed completely in the second half after coach Graham Arnold brought in Yusuf Al-Amin and Zidan Iqbal, replacing Kevin Yaqub and Shirko Juwari, which greatly improved Iraq’s midfield.

Bashar advanced on the left flank and sent a cross that Indonesia’s defense cleared, then a dangerous attempt by Mohannad Ali who shot at the defender’s body, wasting a close chance for Iraq in the second half.

The scene changed entirely with an active offensive by Iraq. Yusuf Al-Amin missed a dangerous chance with a powerful shot over the bar, while Indonesia brought in player Olie Rumeni hoping to regain possession.

Indonesia had a chance after a pass in the penalty area ended with a cross without follow-up, and another cross was cleared by the defense.

The match saw wide controversy and protests against the Chinese referee demanding a red card for Iraq’s Zaid Tahseen due to rough play.

Iraq brought in Ali Jassim and Ammar Mohsen to boost the attack, while Indonesia continued attempts in midfield to reach goalkeeper Jalal Hassan’s goal, with the Iraqi defense successfully clearing a dangerous Indonesian cross.

Zidan Iqbal scored the leading goal in the 76th minute with a wonderful shot that found the back of the net, giving the Lions of Mesopotamia the advantage after intense activity and excellent performance in the second half.

Indonesia’s coach Patrick Kluivert brought in Tjok Ony and Sananta to energize his attack, while Iraq requested a penalty against Indonesia for a handball, but the referee ruled no foul.

Indonesia missed a strong shot as they shifted to attack amid heavy protests from players against the referee and empty bottles thrown by Indonesian fans. Iraq missed a dangerous chance through Zidan Iqbal, while Yusuf Al-Amin attempted a long shot.

The referee added 11 minutes of stoppage time. Iraq’s Munaf Younis was injured in the 90+4 minute and replaced by Rabin Sulaqa, while Yusuf Al-Amin advanced on the right and sent a cross without danger.

Indonesia demanded a penalty for handball against Zaid Tahseen, who received a second yellow card for dangerous play after lowering his head excessively towards the ball.

Indonesia’s cross was cleared by Sulaqa, Ali Jassim advanced on the left and passed to Ibrahim Baysh without effectiveness towards the opponent’s goal, with Iraqi defensive clearance.

An Iraqi counterattack chance came from Ali Jassim who advanced on the right and sent a cross cleared by the defense, ending the match with a 1-0 win for the Lions of Mesopotamia. Indonesia’s Tomi Hai received a red card after the match for protesting the referee.