IRAQ (Interstat) — Al Gharaf SC will host Naft Maysan on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, in an Iraqi League matchup that pits two sides with contrasting recent form against each other. The game, scheduled at Al Gharaf’s home stadium, marks the first meeting between the clubs since last September, when Al Gharaf earned a 1-0 victory on the road.

That result was part of a mixed campaign for both teams. Al Gharaf enters the match on the heels of an impressive 3-1 win over Amanat Baghdad on May 27, a performance that snapped a stretch of five league games without a victory. Prior to that, the side had drawn 1-1 with Mosul and Duhok, lost to Al Talaba, and beaten Al Qassim 5-1 – a run that highlighted their inconsistency.

Naft Maysan, meanwhile, comes in off a 2-0 defeat at home to Al Quwa Al Jawiya on May 28. That loss followed a 2-1 victory over Al Najaf on May 24, part of a season that has seen Naft Maysan struggle for sustained momentum. Over their last 10 league outings, they have managed three wins, three draws, and four losses. The team’s defense has been a concern, conceding two or more goals in four of those matches, though they did post clean sheets against Al Mina’a and Newroz earlier in the campaign.

Tuesday’s contest also carries the weight of recent head-to-head history. In their last encounter, Al Gharaf edged Naft Maysan 1-0 on Sept. 26, 2025. That result extended Al Gharaf’s advantage in the series, though Naft Maysan will look to reverse the trend and build on a season that has seen them win three of their last seven away matches.

An Interstat game simulator projects a 1-1 draw, a result that would reflect the parity between two mid-table sides still searching for consistency. Al Gharaf’s offense has been productive at times – they scored five against Al Qassim in April – but their defense has been vulnerable, particularly against top-tier opposition. Naft Maysan has shown resilience, salvaging a 1-1 draw against Al Karma in May and holding Al Shorta to a 2-2 stalemate, but they have also been prone to lapses, as evidenced by a 2-0 loss to Duhok.

Key players to watch include Al Gharaf’s goal scorers from their recent win over Amanat Baghdad – the team showed attacking depth with three different players finding the net. For Naft Maysan, their offensive production has come sporadically; only twice in their last five games have they scored more than one goal.

With the Iraqi League season nearing its midway point, Tuesday’s result could have implications for final standings. Both teams sit within striking distance of the upper half but need a positive result to maintain that ambition. Kickoff is set for Tuesday evening, with conditions expected to be warm and dry.