Iran will host their neighboring rivals, Iraq in the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifying match tomorrow.
The hosts have the edge in Group A as they are at the top of the table with 16 points from 6 matches and are two points ahead of second-placed South Korea.
While Iraq are at the 5th spot with just 4 points from 6 matches. So, it is a must-win game for them, or else their automatic qualification hopes could be shattered. They will be aiming for the third spot, as it can give them possible qualification in the next stage.
Also, it is a highly emotional match as the geographic rivals face each other and will look to earn the bragging rights.
Where to watch the Live streaming of Iran vs Iraq?
Here is the list of channels that will live telecast this World Cup qualifying match in your country:
| Australia | 10 Play |
| Brazil | Star+ |
| Brunei | Eleven SEA |
| Bulgaria | Diema Sport, Play Diema Xtra |
| China | PPTV Sport China, iQiyi |
| Hong Kong | Eleven SEA |
| Indonesia | MNC Sports 2, Eleven SEA |
| International | Fanseat |
| Israel | 5Stars |
| Japan | DAZN |
| Korea Republic | TVING, tvN SHOW |
| Macau | iQiyi |
| Malaysia | Eleven SEA |
| Philippines | Eleven SEA |
| Russia | TV Start |
| Singapore | Eleven SEA |
| Sweden | C More Sweden |
| Thailand | Eleven SEA |
| Turkey | Spor Smart, D-Smart GO |
| Ukraine | Sport 1 Ukraine |
| United States | Paramount+ |
At what time will the match start?
The Match will start at 6:00 PM, Thursday local time in Iran. If you live in US or Canada, then you can tune in at 9:30 AM, Thursday. While is you stay in the UK, you can watch it at 2:30 PM on, Thursday and for the Indian viewers, the game will start at 8:00 PM.
Iran vs Iraq: Team news and tactics
Iran
They are no strangers in the World Cup as they have qualified for four of the last six World Cups. Moreover, they are on the right track to gain another spot in Qatar.
They could not get the win against South Korea in October as it ended on level terms but they managed to gain points in their other five matches.
But for this game, they will have to play without their star player Sardar Azmoun who got coronavirus and will remain in isolation.
So they will have to make changes in their lineup with Taremi, FC Porto’s forward coming in to replace Azmoun.
Meanwhile, Ehsan Hajsafi and Ahmed Nourollahi are also out because of COVID 19. So, they will make way for Saman Ghoddos and Milad Sarlak as their replacements.
Iraq
The reverse fixture that was in round two saw Iraq lose 3-0. But, they managed to get some points against UAE, Syria, and Lebanon.
Petrovic’s team have a tough task in front of them but they can not afford to lose all three points as UAE are two points ahead of them in the third position.
They managed to beat Uganda recently on 21st January and could go in this match with a similar lineup.
Alaa Abbas will lead the line as he scored the goal in the last match. Also, Iraq could give the debut to Zidane Iqbal, a Manchester United player.
