Iraq hosts Indonesia at the Basra International Stadium in Basra on Thursday for the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The teams are tied in Group F alongside Vietnam and the Philippines for the second round of qualifying.
Iraq, ranked 68th in the world, come into the match on the back of a six-game winless run, with their last four matches ending in draws.
In the King’s Cup, the Lions of Mesopotamia drew 2-2 with India and Thailand before picking up two more stalemates against Qatar and Jordan.
Head coach Jesus Casas has called up 25 players for this month’s double-header against Indonesia and Vietnam, including key attacking players like Mohanath Ali and Aymen Hussain. Both have scored 17 goals in 39 and 66 games respectively.
Indonesia reached this stage by beating Brunei in the first round. Garuda beat the unlucky side 6-0 to advance to the second round with a 12-0 aggregate win.
Before that, Indonesia beat Turkmenistan 2-0 in a friendly in September, so the team is now on a three-game winning streak.
Iraq vs Indonesia head to head and key numbers
- Indonesia have never beaten Iraq in their six previous encounters, losing five of them.
- The only draw between these teams came in March 1973, a 1–1 stalemate in a World Cup qualifier, which also marked their first meeting.
- Iraq are looking to win their sixth game against Indonesia.
- Indonesia have not scored in their last four games against Iraq.
- Iraq and Indonesia meet for the first time since November 2013.
- Indonesia have won their last three games and four of their last seven.
- Iraq have drawn their last four matches and are winless in their last six.
Iraq vs Indonesia Prediction
Iraq have a terrible record against Indonesia and have never lost to the team before. However, their form has not been great recently, whereas the Garuda team has been solid in their recent matches.
The Middle East team faces a strong Indonesia side in some time and their winning run in this match ended in a high-scoring stalemate.
Prediction: Iraq 2-2 Indonesia
Iraq vs Indonesia Betting Tips
Tip 1 – Conclusion: Draw
Tip 2 – Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5
Tip 3 – Both teams to score: Yes