Iraq 1-0 Andorra Live Score, FIFA International Friendly 2026: Ali Yousif's Goal Keeps IRQ In Front

As we pass the 30-minute mark in Girona, the match remains a tightly contested affair. Both sides are actively probing for openings, though the rhythm of the game has been significantly fragmented by a high frequency of fouls, leading to a stop-start flow that has frustrated attempts to build momentum.

With less than ten minutes remaining in the first half, the intensity remains high as both squads fight for control. Iraq, buoyed by Ali Yousif's 19th-minute strike, is currently dictating the tempo and pressing hard in search of a second goal, stringing together some sharp attacking sequences. While the match officials have yet to brandish any cards, the persistent physicality suggests that a tighter disciplinary approach may be needed soon to settle the players. Both teams continue to give their all, with Andorra looking to hold firm defensively before mounting their own counter-attacks as the interval approaches.

The deadlock has been broken in the 20th minute, courtesy of a clinical finish from Ali Yousif. His decisive strike has handed the home team a well-earned lead, shifting the momentum firmly in their favor. With the breakthrough secured, the side is expected to maintain their attacking impetus, looking to capitalize on their current rhythm and craft further opportunities to extend their advantage.

The match has now passed the 10-minute mark, with the intensity remaining high as both teams continue to trade pressure. Iraq has controlled the majority of possession throughout the first quarter of the game, consistently looking to unlock the defense and net the opening goal.

However, the tide is beginning to shift slightly; while Iraq maintains the advantage in ball retention, Andorra is slowly finding their rhythm and gaining more control of the pitch. The contest remains evenly balanced, and as both sides continue to press with urgency, the prospect of an opening goal feels increasingly likely. The challenge for both managers now is to convert this high-energy play into concrete attacking opportunities.

The opening stages of the match have been defined by high-intensity combat, with both teams coming out of the gate with aggressive intent. Play has been frequently interrupted by a series of fouls, underscoring the physicality each side is bringing to the pitch as they battle for early dominance. With both squads displaying a clear hunger for an early breakthrough, the tempo is frenetic, setting the stage for what fans hope will be a high-scoring and thrilling encounter as the match settles into its rhythm.

The whistle has blown at the Estadi Municipal de Montilivi, marking the official start of the FIFA International Friendly between Andorra and Iraq. The atmosphere in Girona is charged with anticipation as the ball begins rolling, signaling the start of a tactical test for both sides.

In these opening moments, it is the home side, Andorra, that has settled into possession, looking to assert themselves on the ball early on. Both teams have signaled their intent to play with intensity, with each side eager to establish a foothold and find the game's opening breakthrough. With pride and momentum on the line, the players are pressing with urgency, clearly intent on securing an early advantage in what promises to be a hard-fought contest.

Fahad Talib, Ahmed Yahya, Akam Hashem, Mustafa Saadoun, Zaid Tahseen, Ahmed Qasem, Aimar Sher, Zidane Iqbal, Marko Lawk Farji, Mohanad Ali, Youssef Amyn

For the Andorra national football team, tonight’s friendly against Iraq at the Estadi Municipal de Montilivi serves as a vital exercise in defensive resilience and team calibration.

Entering the match as the clear underdog—with FIFA rankings placing them at #173 compared to Iraq’s #57—Andorra’s primary objective is to maintain structural integrity and gain much-needed confidence after a challenging run of recent fixtures.

Iraq’s qualification journey for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was an arduous two-year odyssey that finally ended a 40-year drought for the nation. Under the leadership of Australian head coach Graham Arnold, the "Lions of Mesopotamia" navigated a grueling AFC qualification path. Despite facing significant logistical challenges, including travel disruptions linked to the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, the team displayed remarkable resilience. They played a total of 21 matches throughout their qualification cycle—the most of any team in the global process—demonstrating the depth of their commitment to reaching the expanded 48-team tournament. After narrowly missing out on direct qualification through the standard AFC group stages, Iraq entered the FIFA World Cup 2026 Play-Off Tournament held in Mexico. The stakes culminated in a high-pressure final at the Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe on March 31, 2026, against Bolivia. Iraq delivered a heroic performance, securing a 2–1 victory to clinch the final spot in the tournament. Ali Al-Hamadi opened the scoring early in the 10th minute, and after Bolivia equalized, Aymen Hussein netted the decisive match-winner in the 53rd minute. This historic victory made Iraq the 48th and final team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, triggering massive, emotional celebrations across the streets of Baghdad. By securing this berth, the Lions of Mesopotamia returned to football's grandest stage for the first time since their debut in 1986. They have since been drawn into Group I alongside France, Senegal, and Norway, marking the start of a new chapter in Iraqi football history.

Competition: FIFA International Friendly

Date: Friday, May 29, 2026

Venue: Estadi Municipal de Montilivi, Girona, Spain

Status: Kick-off imminent (9:30 PM IST)

Greetings, we are back with another live blog and it is Andorra national football team vs Iraq national football team. Stay tuned for live updates from the international friendly in Girona.