Iraq vs Jordan — Match Preview
A thunderous “Derby of the Levant” takes center stage at the Education City Stadium on Saturday, 13 December 2025. This FIFA Arab Cup Semi-Final pits two regional rivals against each other with a spot in the final on the line. Jordan have been the team of the tournament so far, storming through the group stage with a perfect record, including a stunning 3–0 thrashing of Egypt.1 Iraq, despite a 0–2 loss to Algeria in their final group game, qualified on the back of strong opening wins. It is a clash of styles: Jordan’s explosive counter-attacks against Iraq’s gritty defensive organization.
Iraq vs Jordan — Match Info
- Competition: FIFA Arab Cup (Semi-Final)
- Venue: Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan (Capacity: 44,667)
- Date: Saturday, 13 December 2025
- Kickoff: 22:00 AST | 19:00 GMT | 00:30 IST (Sunday)
- Referee: TBC (FIFA Appointment)
Iraq vs Jordan — Match Stakes
Iraq:
- Win → Qualifies for the Final; shot at historic Arab Cup title
- Loss → Drops to the Third Place Play-off
- History → Seeking revenge for the 2024 Asian Cup elimination
Jordan:
- Win → Continues a dream run; reaches first-ever Arab Cup Final
- Loss → Heartbreak after a perfect group stage
- Momentum → Looking to prove the 3–0 win vs Egypt was no fluke
Iraq vs Jordan — Team News
Iraq:
- Hussein A. — Available (Top Scorer)
- Sulaka R. — Available (Defensive Leader)
- Doski M. — Questionable (Knock vs Algeria)
- Bayesh I. — Available (Key Winger)
Jordan:
- Al-Tamari M. — Available (Star Player)
- Al-Naimat Y. — Available (In red-hot form)
- Olwan A. — Out (Suspension – Yellow card accumulation)
- Abulaila Y. — Available (Goalkeeper)
Iraq vs Jordan — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)
Iraq
- 09/12 — 0–2 vs Algeria (Arab Cup)
- 06/12 — 2–0 vs Sudan (Arab Cup)2
- 03/12 — 2–1 vs Bahrain (Arab Cup)
- 18/11 — 2–1 vs UAE (World Cup Qualifier)
- 13/11 — 1–1 vs UAE (World Cup Qualifier)
Jordan
- 09/12 — 3–0 vs Egypt (Arab Cup)3
- 06/12 — 3–1 vs Kuwait (Arab Cup)
- 03/12 — 2–1 vs UAE (Arab Cup)
- 18/11 — 0–0 vs Mali (Friendly)
- 14/11 — 2–3 vs Tunisia (Friendly)
Iraq vs Jordan — Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)
- 10/06/2025 — Jordan 0–1 Iraq (World Cup Qualifier)
- 14/11/2024 — Iraq 0–0 Jordan (World Cup Qualifier)
- 29/01/2024 — Iraq 2–3 Jordan (Asian Cup)
- 17/10/2023 — Jordan 2–2 Iraq (Friendly)
- 12/11/2020 — Jordan 0–0 Iraq (Friendly)
Iraq vs Jordan — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)
Iraq (4-2-3-1)
Hassan; Yahya, Sulaka, Natiq, Ali; Al-Ammari, Rashid; Bayesh, Resan, Iqbal; Hussein
Jordan (3-4-3)
Abulaila; Nasib, Al-Arab, Al-Ajalin; Haddad, Al-Rawabdeh, Al-Rashdan, Al-Mardi; Al-Tamari, Al-Naimat, Sadeh
Iraq vs Jordan — Impact Bench
Iraq: Mohanad Ali (Goal threat), Yasin (Creative spark)
Jordan: Al-Dardour (Veteran experience), Ratib (Midfield control)
Iraq vs Jordan — Tactical Analysis
Iraq
Jesus Casas will likely set up Iraq to absorb pressure. Their defeat to Algeria exposed gaps when they push too high, so expect a return to a compact low block. The plan will be direct: long balls to Aymen Hussein to flick on for the runners like Zidane Iqbal and Ibrahim Bayesh. They must stop Jordan’s transitions to survive.
Jordan
The “Nashema” are flying. Their 3-4-3 system allows them to overload the wings, with Mousa Al-Tamari drifting inside to cause chaos. Against Egypt, their high press forced mistakes; they will try to do the same to Iraq’s midfield pivot. Yazan Al-Naimat’s movement off the shoulder of the last defender is the key to unlocking Iraq’s physical defense.
Iraq vs Jordan — Key Battles
- Aymen Hussein vs Al-Arab — aerial dominance vs positioning
- Al-Tamari vs Yahya — one of the best wingers in Asia vs Iraq’s fullback
- Al-Ammari vs Al-Rawabdeh — midfield engine room battle
- Al-Naimat vs Sulaka — speed vs strength
Iraq vs Jordan — Spotlight Players
Iraq — Aymen Hussein
The talismanic striker. In tight derby games, set-pieces and crosses define the result. Hussein is arguably the best header of the ball in the region, and Iraq needs him to finish the few chances they create.
Jordan — Mousa Al-Tamari
The Montpellier winger is the difference-maker. His ability to dribble past two or three players breaks defensive lines instantly. If Iraq double-teams him, it leaves space for Al-Naimat.
Iraq vs Jordan — Prediction
Iraq 1–2 Jordan (After Extra Time)
This rivalry is incredibly tight, as seen in their H2H record. However, Jordan’s current form—beating Egypt 3-0—suggests they have hit a new level of confidence. Iraq will make it a scrap, but Jordan’s attacking trio has too much quality. Expect a dramatic winner in extra time.
Iraq vs Jordan — Betting Insights
- Both Teams to Score — YES
- Over 2.5 Goals — Possible (Derby energy)
- To Qualify — Jordan
Iraq vs Jordan — Where to Watch
- MENA: beIN Sports, Al Kass Channels
- Iraq: Al-Rabea TV
- Jordan: Jordan Sport TV
- International: FIFA+
Iraq vs Jordan — FAQs
Q: When is the Iraq vs Jordan match?
A: The match kicks off on Saturday, 13 December 2025, at 22:00 AST (local time).
Q: Where is the match being played?
A: It will be played at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar.
Q: Is Mousa Al-Tamari playing?
A: Yes. He is fit and expected to start for Jordan.
Q: Who won the last match between them?
A: Iraq won 1–0 in a World Cup Qualifier in June 2025.
Q: Is there VAR in this match?
A: Yes. VAR is in operation for all FIFA Arab Cup matches.
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