Al Minaa Basra vs Duhok - Iraqi League

When Al Minaa Basra and Duhok clash at the home ground on September 18, 2026, the stakes extend well beyond a single result — this is a Iraqi League fixture that carries real weight for both clubs. Jorge Salinas is of interest to Manchester United(Image: 2024 Soccrates Images B.V.) United are one of several Premier League clubs weighing up whether to meet Bologna’s €25m (£21.7m) valuation for Jhon Lucumi, according to Corriere di Bologna.

A glance at the Iraqi League table tells the story: Al Minaa Basra in 12th and Duhok in 9th, with positions to defend and places to climb. Patchy would be the kindest description of Al Minaa Basra's recent run: LDLLW in their last five, a season win rate of 28.57%. The visitors have found the going tough on their travels, LDWDD in their last five and a win rate of just 14.29% telling its own story. One side has leaned on a miserly defence, the other on a free-scoring attack, and the meeting of those contrasting strengths promises an intriguing tactical subtext. On Wednesday night, Infantino was given the "full support" of FIFA's management board in a statement despite being forced to abandon his plan to sell stakes in a company to run the World Cup to private investors.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. Al Minaa Basra favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas Duhok are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. Tuesday's print edition of ABC, as relayed by Sport Witness, have claimed that Betis turned down a €50m approach from a wealthy non-Premier League club for Antony.

Star players on both sides will be eager to make their mark, and the individual duels across the pitch could go a long way to deciding the outcome. The wide areas will be a key battleground, with full-backs and wingers on either side capable of swinging the contest one way or the other. But this is still £10m short of what Etihad bosses are demanding for the World Cup winner, having originally stated they wanted at least £60m for the midfielder.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. A share of the spoils looks the most probable outcome, with neither side holding a decisive edge — a 1-1 draw feels like a fitting result. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. England captain Harry Kane is likely to sign a new deal to extend his stay at Bayern Munich despite interest from Barcelona.