Iraq train ahead of UAE friendly as World Cup qualifiers near

The Iraq national football team held a training session in Dubai on Sunday, in preparation for Tuesday's friendly international against UAE.

It's part of Iraq's preparations for the restart of qualification ahead of the Qatar World Cup 2020 and the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.

Due to the disruption to the football calendar due to the coronavirus pandemic, the two campaigns have been combined - Iraq currently top Group C with 11 points from 5 games, ahead of Bahrain (9), Iran (6), Hong Kong (5) and Cambodia (1).

Srecko Katanec's side are scheduled to travel to Hong Kong on 30th March, entertain Cambodia in Basra on 7th June and then face Iran in Tehran on 15th June, but hope to fit in another friendly before the competitive action starts.

(Image Credit: AP)