A Kuwaiti challenges for the ball with an opponent during Kuwait, China friendly.

DUBAI, March 16: Kuwait concluded its training camp in Dubai, UAE, on Monday evening and is set to depart for Basra, Iraq, tomorrow in preparation for their crucial clash against the Iraqi national team in the seventh round of Group B of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Thursday.

During their Dubai camp, which began on March 9, the Blues played a single friendly match, suffering a 1-3 defeat to China on Saturday at Al Maktoum Stadium. Eid Al-Rashidi scored Kuwait’s only goal. The team is now focused on continuing their qualifying campaign, with another key match against Oman in the eighth round on March 25 at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium.

Kuwait currently sits in fifth place in Group B with four points. South Korea leads the standings with 14 points, followed by Iraq with 11 points. Jordan holds third place with nine points, while Oman is fourth with six points. Palestine remains at the bottom with three points.

Argentine coach Juan Pizzi utilized the friendly against China to test as many players as possible, ensuring squad readiness for the crucial encounter against Iraq. The starting lineup featured:

Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, Sami Al-Sanea, Fahad Al-Hajri, Salman Burmiah, Hamad Al-Harbi, Sultan Al-Enezi, Moaz Al-Osaima, Fawaz Ayed, Mohammed Daham, Fawaz Al-Mubailish, Yousef Nasser

Pizzi opted not to start Al-Qadsiya and Al-Arabi players due to their recent participation in Gulf Champions League and AFC Champions League matches. He later introduced them as substitutes in the second half.

The Kuwait Football Association has announced that applications for fans wishing to attend the match against Iraq will be accepted for two days only, starting Sunday evening. Registration will be open from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm at the association's headquarters in Adailiya. Applicants must be over 18 and provide a copy of their passport.

The association will facilitate travel arrangements, including transportation from the headquarters (departing at 2:00 PM on Thursday, March 20), match tickets, entry visas, and breakfast. The return flight will take place immediately after the match.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff