This evening in Abu Dhabi, at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, the second leg of the Asian playoff match between the UAE and Iraq will take place. This encounter will evoke memories of events from 40 years ago. The atmosphere surrounding the match is very intense, especially among the Iraqi diaspora in the UAE. A large turnout of fans from both teams is expected. As reported by the head of the Iraqi Fans Association, Mahdi Al-Karkhi, the Iraqi Consulate in Dubai made significant efforts to distribute tickets for free, which demonstrates great appreciation for the role of fans and their support for the national team. The ticket distribution process, which required pre-registration online, proceeded smoothly. "We expect a very strong match from both teams," Al-Karkhi noted. "Both teams possess outstanding players and vast experience. This is a special encounter as it brings together two brotherly nations." Many fans expressed their gratitude to the consulate for the organization and stated that the pre-match atmosphere reflects their passionate support. Despite the good organization, some fans noted the large crowds and suggested making the entire ticket distribution process online to avoid congestion. This significant fan response is a continuation of the broad support that the Iraqi national team receives from its fans across all Gulf countries.
