Iraq beat Hong Myung-bo’s next opponent, Oman, to take the lead in Group B of the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA North-China World Cup.
Iraq defeated Oman 1-0 in the first Group B match of the third qualifying round of the 2026 North-China World Cup at Basra International Stadium in Iraq on the 6th (Korea time).
As a result, Iraq was the only team in Group B to win the first match of the third qualifying round, taking the lead with three points.
Iraq is led by coach Jesus Casas, who was nominated for the head coach of South Korea but failed to negotiate with the Korea Football Association (KFA).
South Korea, which drew 0-0 with Palestine after a rough match, followed Iraq along with Jordan and Kuwait (one point or more).
Oman finished at the bottom of Group B with one loss (zero points). Oman had more dominant matches with the Iraqis, including 58.1 percent to 41.9 percent ball possession rate and 11-7 shooting, but lost focus due to lack of scoring ability.
Iraq scored the winning goal 13 minutes into the match. Ayman Hussein opened Oman’s goal with a header shot at the right corner.
Hussein is a goal scorer with excellent scoring ability, scoring six goals in four games from the group stage to the round of 16 at the 2023 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup, and he is the player South Korea should be most wary of when facing Iraq.
Oman took the lead in the match and staged a fierce counterattack. However, Oman’s rain shot failed to score as the goalkeeper blocked the ball. In the 50th minute of the second half, midfielder Arshad Al-Alaoui left due to accumulated warnings, losing momentum in pursuit.
Jordan, the runner-up at the Asian Cup, drew 1-1 with Kuwait on their home turf.
Jordan took the lead in the 14th minute with Moussa Tamari’s left-footed mid-range shot, but allowed an equalizer just before the end.
Jordan fouled Seoul defender Yazan Al Arab while defending his opponent roughly in the penalty box, and Kuwait revived in the 47th minute of the second half when Youssef Nasser scored a penalty.
The second Group B match of the third qualifying round for the North-China World Cup is scheduled to be held from the 10th to the 11th in Korean time. 안전놀이터
South Korea is aiming for its first win against Oman at 11 p.m. on the 10th at the Sultan Qaboos Stadium in Muscat, Oman.
At the same time, Palestine will face Jordan in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Iraq will play Kuwait on the road at 3 a.m. on the 11th.