Iraq Defeats Kuwait 3-2 in Gulf Cup 27: Late Winner Seals Thrilling Victory
Iraqi Airways Pakistan congratulates the Iraq National Football Team on a dramatic 3-2 victory over Kuwait in the second round of the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The Iraq National Football Team, known as the Lions of Mesopotamia, produced a thrilling performance to defeat Kuwait 3-2 in a dramatic Group A encounter at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium in Jeddah.
The match, played on 26 September 2026, delivered five goals and an exciting finish, with Iraq scoring the decisive goal deep into stoppage time. The victory moved Iraq to four points after two group matches and strengthened the team’s position in the race for a place in the semi-finals.
🇮🇶 A Dramatic Victory for the Lions of Mesopotamia
The highly anticipated encounter between Iraq and Kuwait was closely contested during the opening half. Both teams created opportunities, but neither side managed to find the back of the net before half-time.
The first half ended 0-0, setting the stage for an exciting second half.
Iraq returned from the break with greater attacking intent and was rewarded shortly after the restart.
Zidane Iqbal Opens the Scoring
The breakthrough came in the 52nd minute, when Zidane Iqbal found the net to give Iraq a 1-0 lead.
The goal gave the Iraqi team confidence and increased the pressure on Kuwait as the match continued.
Kuwait, however, responded strongly and managed to level the score in the 75th minute when Yousef Nasser converted a penalty, making it 1-1.
Saif Rasheed Restores Iraq’s Lead
Iraq continued to push forward after conceding the equaliser and regained the advantage in the 83rd minute.
Saif Rasheed scored Iraq’s second goal of the evening, putting the Lions of Mesopotamia ahead 2-1.
With only a few minutes remaining, Iraq appeared to be heading towards an important victory. However, Kuwait refused to give up.
Kuwait Equalises Again
In the 90th minute, Yousef Nasser scored his second goal of the match to bring Kuwait level once again at 2-2.
The late equaliser created an intense finish, with both teams looking for the winning goal.
Karrar Nabeel Scores the Winning Goal in Stoppage Time
Just when the match appeared destined to finish in a draw, Iraq produced one final moment of brilliance.
In the 90+9th minute, Karrar Nabeel scored the decisive third goal for Iraq, sending the Iraqi team and its supporters into celebration.
The late strike secured a dramatic 3-2 victory for Iraq and earned the Lions of Mesopotamia three valuable points. The Asian Football Confederation’s match report confirms the goalscorers as Zidane Iqbal, Saif Rasheed and Karrar Nabeel for Iraq, while Yousef Nasser scored both of Kuwait’s goals.
Iraq Moves to Four Points in Group A
With this victory, Iraq moved to four points from two matches in Group A of the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup.
Iraq had drawn its opening match against Oman before securing the dramatic victory over Kuwait. Following the win, Iraq temporarily moved to the top of the group standings with four points, while Kuwait remained without points after two defeats.
The result also strengthened Iraq’s chances of progressing to the semi-final stage of the tournament.
A Proud Moment for Iraqi Football Fans
The victory was particularly memorable because of the manner in which it was achieved. Iraq twice took the lead, twice saw Kuwait equalise, and ultimately found the winning goal in the ninth minute of stoppage time.
For Iraqi football supporters around the world, the result was another exciting moment for the national team and a reminder of the determination and fighting spirit associated with the Lions of Mesopotamia.
The Iraqi team showed resilience throughout the match and continued to fight until the final whistle.
🇮🇶 Iraqi Airways Pakistan Congratulates the National Team
Iraqi Airways Pakistan extends its warmest congratulations to the Iraq National Football Team on this memorable victory.
We proudly congratulate the players, coaching staff, team management and all Iraqi football fans on the exciting 3-2 victory over Kuwait.
ألف مبروك الفوز يا أسود الرافدين 🇮🇶
Congratulations to the Lions of Mesopotamia!
Iraqi Airways Pakistan wishes the national team continued success in the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup and in all upcoming matches.
May the Lions of Mesopotamia continue to represent Iraq with pride, determination and passion on the football field.
Congratulations once again to our national team on this fantastic victory! 🇮🇶
Iraq vs Kuwait – Match Summary
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | 27th Arabian Gulf Cup – Gulf Cup 27 |
| Round | Group A – Second Round |
| Match | Kuwait vs Iraq |
| Result | Kuwait 2-3 Iraq |
| Venue | Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, Jeddah |
| Date | 26 September 2026 |
| Iraq Goals | Zidane Iqbal 52′, Saif Rasheed 83′, Karrar Nabeel 90+9′ |
| Kuwait Goals | Yousef Nasser 75′ (pen.), 90′ |
| Iraq Points | 4 points after two matches |
The official AFC report records the match as a 3-2 victory for Iraq, with Karrar Nabeel scoring the decisive goal in the 90+9th minute.
Iraq’s Road Ahead in Gulf Cup 27
The victory over Kuwait gives Iraq an important boost as the group stage continues. Iraq’s next Group A fixture is against Saudi Arabia on 29 September 2026 in Jeddah. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s current Group A schedule lists Iraq on four points and Saudi Arabia on six points after two matches.
The upcoming match will therefore be an important fixture for both teams as they compete for progression to the semi-finals.
Iraqi Airways Pakistan proudly congratulates the Iraq National Football Team on their thrilling 3-2 victory over Kuwait.
One team. One nation. One pride. 🇮🇶
Go Lions of Mesopotamia!
Reference Source
This news was sourced from the official Iraqi Airways Facebook page: