Qatar have officially booked their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a decisive 2-1 win against the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday. The triumph, driven by second-half headers from Boualem Khoukhi and Pedro Miguel, sealed the team’s spot at the top of Group A in the fourth round of Asian qualification.
The victory holds special significance for the reigning Asian champions, who failed to progress beyond the group stage when they hosted the 2022 World Cup. This time, however, Qatar have advanced through qualification on merit for the first time in their history, underlining their steady progress in Asian football.
The match began at a measured pace in Doha, with both sides cautious in their approach given the high stakes. Qatar created the best opportunity of the first half in the 30th minute, when Mohamed al-Mannai’s header narrowly missed the target, leaving the Emirati defence relieved.
Just two minutes after the interval, Qatar broke the deadlock. Akram Afif, instrumental in the home side’s attack, delivered a precise free-kick into the box that Boualem Khoukhi met with a commanding header past UAE goalkeeper Khalid Essa. The early second-half goal lifted the intensity of the match, forcing the UAE to push forward in search of an equaliser.
With 17 minutes remaining, Afif once again played provider. His cross from the left flank found Pedro Miguel unmarked at the far post, who powered his header into the net to double Qatar’s lead. The goal sparked jubilant celebrations in the stands as fans sensed World Cup qualification was within reach.
Tension rose late in the match when Qatar were reduced to ten men after Tarek Salman was shown a straight red card in the 87th minute. The UAE capitalised on their numerical advantage during stoppage time, with Sultan Adil pulling one back from close range after a scramble in the box.
Despite relentless pressure during the 15 added minutes, Qatar’s defence held firm to secure the crucial win.
The result pushed Qatar to the top of Group A, while the UAE, finishing second, will proceed to the fifth round and playoffs. Oman, who finished third, were eliminated from contention.
Elsewhere in Asia, Japan and South Korea — both already qualified — registered impressive wins in their international friendlies. Japan claimed a historic 3-2 victory over Brazil in Tokyo, coming from two goals down thanks to Ayase Ueda’s decisive header in the 71st minute. South Korea also impressed with a 2-0 win over Uruguay.
For Qatar, this qualification marks not just a sporting achievement but a statement of intent — proof that their 2022 experience was just the beginning of a new footballing chapter.