DOHA: Buoyed by a gritty 1-0 win over Iran, Qatar are riding a wave of momentum as they head into a high-stakes showdown with newly-qualified Uzbekistan in their final group stage clash of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
Today’s match at a sold-out Bunyodkor Stadium in Tashkent promises fireworks, with the hosts in celebration mode after booking a historic spot at their first-ever FIFA World Cup. But while Uzbekistan enjoy the moment, Qatar are all business — and new head coach Julen Lopetegui wants his men to make a statement.
“This is a real test of our readiness for what lies ahead,” said the Spaniard, whose debut match in charge saw the Maroons punch their ticket to the fourth round. “Beating Uzbekistan would not only build momentum — it would send a message.”
Veteran midfielder Abdulaziz Hatem echoed the urgency. “Our matches against Uzbekistan are always intense and exciting. We know they’ll be fired up, but so are we,” he said. “This is about keeping our focus sharp ahead of the next round.”
With two more World Cup spots on the line in October’s fourth-round battles, Qatar are already thinking ahead — but today, they have a chance to prove they’re ready to go the distance. Expect sparks to fly as celebration meets ambition in Tashkent.
