Arab Cup 2025 / Algeria – Iraq: a worrying observation for the Greens | OneFootball

Arab Cup / Algeria – Iraq: a troubling record for the Fennecs

Arab Cup 2025 / Algeria – Iraq: a worrying observation for the Greens

As the highly anticipated Algeria–Iraq clash looms this Tuesday in the 2025 Arab Cup at Khalifa International Stadium, the stakes go far beyond mere qualification. Madjid Bougherra’s men need just a single point to secure a quarter-final berth, while Iraq has already locked in a top-two finish. But beneath the surface of this showdown lies a history that has been particularly unkind to the Greens.

The two teams have faced off seven times in the past, all in friendly matches. The record is stark: no Algerian victories. It all began on January 12, 1972, in Baghdad, with a 3-1 defeat. This was followed by two goalless draws, on August 15 and 25, 1973, in Benghazi and then Tripoli. In February 1978, Iraq asserted its dominance at home twice, 3-0 and 1-0, on the 21st and 23rd. Finally, in July 1978 in Algiers, Algeria managed a 1-1 draw on July 2, before another 0-0 stalemate on July 4. In total: 3 Iraqi wins, 4 draws, 8 goals conceded for only 2 scored.

This encounter in Qatar therefore represents a double opportunity for Algeria: to clinch qualification and, above all, to finally claim a historic first victory against an opponent that has always stood firm.