Sunday, April 28, 2024

Baghdad

Iraq shocks the Philippines 5-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

 Iraq shocks the Philippines 5-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

The Iraqi football national team. Photo: FIFA

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraq achieved a 5-0 victory against the Philippines on Tuesday in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in front of almost 10,000 spectators at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in the capital city of Manila.

Early in the game, the Iraqi team had effective control, with Aymen Hussein scoring the opening goal off a penalty kick in the 14th minute.

The advantage was subsequently increased by Amir Al-Ammari in the 30th minute, and Hussein added another goal six minutes later.

Iraq led 3-0 at the break, and they increased their lead to 4-0 in the 62nd minute thanks to another goal by Zidane Iqbal.

Iraq’s fifth goal was scored by Zaid Tahseen in the 77th minute.

This is the fourth time the Philippines has lost in this qualifying round, having previously lost to Iraq, Vietnam, and Indonesia in Group F.

This was the Philippines’ second consecutive defeat against the Lions of Mesopotamia in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

Last Friday, the Philippines suffered a 0-1 loss to Iraq at the Basra International Stadium in the southern Iraqi city of Basra. 

The Iraqi team appears nearly certain of advancing to the next stage after becoming the group’s leaders with 12 points.