After defeating the United Arab Emirates 2-1 in Doha on Tuesday, Qatar advanced to the 2026 World Cup. The 2022 World Cup hosts, who lost in the group stage in their first-ever tournament debut three years ago, won the crucial match at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium due to goals from Pedro Miguel and skipper Boualem Khoukhi in the second half.
With the victory, Qatar, the winners of the previous two Asian Cups, secured their spot in the finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer by finishing first in Group A in the fourth round of Asian qualification. Later on Tuesday, the Saudis host Iraq in Jeddah, where they need only a draw to advance.
The first chance of the match against the United Arab Emirates was generated by Qatar, under the coaching of former Spain, Real Madrid, and West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui. Sultan Al Brake forced a fantastic, close-range save from Khalid Essa as Ayoub Al Ouwi flashed the rebound wide. Shortly after, Lucas Pimenta, a defender for the United Arab Emirates, narrowly missed a cross from Caio Lucas.
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