Qatar qualify for 2026 World Cup after beating UAE in playoff decider

Qatar’s national team made history by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time through the Asian qualifiers — and for the second consecutive edition after their debut in 2022 — following a well-deserved 2-1 victory over the UAE in an intense match on Tuesday evening at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium.

The first half ended goalless, but early in the second half, Boualem Khoukhi’s header gave Al Annabi hope with the opening goal. Pedro Miguel added a second with another header 17 minutes from time. In stoppage time, which extended to 15 minutes, Sultan Al Amri pulled one back for the UAE.

The match saw a red card for substitute Tarek Salman in the 89th minute, leaving Qatar to finish the final 16 minutes with ten men. Minor crowd disturbances followed each Qatari goal from sections of the UAE supporters but were quickly contained. Meanwhile, the Qatari fans played a key role with their relentless support throughout.

Qatar’s players earned their qualification with an excellent performance, led by Akram Afif, who set up both goals and remained a constant threat to the opposition.

Qatar needed a win to secure qualification, while the UAE entered the match with two options — a draw or a win. The Emiratis still have another chance to advance when they face the second-placed team from the other group in the next playoff round.

Qatar topped Group A of the fourth qualifying stage with 4 points to advance directly to the World Cup, while the UAE finished second with 3 points and Oman exited the qualifiers with one point.