Iraq defeated Japan 2-1 in the first half thanks to two headers from Aymen Hussein, shocking the Asian Cup favourites and advancing to the next round. It was Japan’s first group-stage loss in 26 Asian Cup games, and if they advance, it might put them in direct confrontation with South Korea in the final 16 in Qatar. Iraq—ranked 63rd in the world against Japan’s 17th—saw a tense conclusion with Wataru Endo of Liverpool’s comeback in the third of eight minutes of added time.But they persevered, defeating Indonesia 3-1 in their first game to take six points.
In their last group match, they take on Vietnam. After defeating Vietnam 4–2 in their opening match, four-time winners Japan now have three points.