Crowd numbers and qualification system: FIFA issues instructions for the Iraq-UAE 2026 World Cup play-off match

FIFA issued its instructions on Thursday for the Iraq-UAE play-off matches for the 2026 World Cup.
The federation stated in a statement that: "A capacity of 36,000 spectators has been allocated for the UAE fans, compared to 6,000 for the Iraqi fans, for the first leg."

It added: "59,000 seats have been allocated for Iraqi fans, compared to 5,000 for the UAE fans, for the second leg, which will be held at Basra International Stadium."

FIFA noted that "if the two teams draw in the first leg in the UAE and then draw in regular time in the second leg in Basra, the match will go to extra time and a penalty shootout."

The winner of the two matches will advance to the global play-off for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Six teams will compete in the global play-off, with only two teams qualifying for the world's biggest tournament.