World Cup Qualification: Qatar Beats UAE 2-1 in Thrilling Match

Qatar qualifies for 2026 World Cup with 2-1 win over UAE

Qatar secures a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-1 victory over the United Arab Emirates, thanks to second-half headers from Boualem Khoukhi and Pedro Miguel.

Afif struck again in the 74th minute, delivering a precise free kick from the left flank that sailed over the UAE goalkeeper's head...

Qatar has secured a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, after defeating the United Arab Emirates 2-1. The victory was sealed by second-half headers from Boualem Khouki and Pedro Miguel.

Khouki opened the scoring four minutes into the second half, heading in a free kick from Akram Afif. The Asian Player of the Year then delivered another decisive free kick in the 74th minute, which Miguel headed into the net, doubling Qatar's lead.

Despite being reduced to 10 men after Tarek Salman's red card in the 89th minute, Qatar held on to their lead. Sultan Adil scored a late consolation goal for the UAE in the 90th minute, but it was too little, too late, as Qatar celebrated their World Cup qualification.

Qatar's Tarek Salman was dismissed in the 89th minute, but the damage was already done for the UAE. Sultan Adil pulled one back for the UAE nine minutes later, providing some late drama to an already thrilling encounter.

The dramatic win propelled Qatar to the top of Group A with four points, surpassing the UAE, who finished with three points, while Oman trailed with one point. This victory not only sealed Qatar's spot in the World Cup but also marked their second consecutive appearance in the finals, following their debut as hosts in 2022.

Qatar's Tarek Salman was dismissed in the 89th minute, but it didn't change the outcome. Sultan Adil scored a late consolation goal for the UAE in the 90th minute, making the final score 2-1 in favor of Qatar. The match featured over 15 minutes of stoppage time.

The victory secured Qatar's spot at the World Cup, topping Group A with four points. The UAE finished with three points, while Oman trailed with one point. This marks Qatar's second consecutive World Cup appearance, following their debut as hosts in 2022.

The UAE's journey continues with a two-legged clash next month against the winner of the Saudi Arabia versus Iraq matchup. The victor of this subsequent match will progress to the intercontinental playoff in March.

🇶🇦 Qatar are headed to #FIFAWorldCup 26!#WeAre26 pic.twitter.com/iCfQBLcaBx

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 14, 2025

Qatar, under Julen Lopetegui, required a win to secure qualification. The match got off to a tense start, with UAE goalkeeper Khalid Eisa making a crucial save to deny Sultan Al-Brake, while Nicolas Giminez's early attempt flew wide, setting the stage for an intense encounter.

Lucas Pimenta had a golden opportunity to put the UAE ahead on the 15-minute mark, but he headed Ali Saleh's cross narrowly wide of the post. Despite the chances, Qatar's goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada didn't have much to do in the early stages.

The home team, Qatar, was relentless in their pursuit of the opening goal. Edmilson Junior was inches away from connecting with Akram Afif's inswinging cross, and Mohammad Manai's header was also off-target as Qatar continued to press forward.

Qatar took the lead just after halftime when Akram Afif delivered a curling free kick from the right flank, which Boualem Khouki headed home with ease. The foul was committed by Ali Saleh on Edmilson Junior.

Afif struck again in the 74th minute, delivering a precise free kick from the left flank that sailed over the UAE goalkeeper's head. Pedro Miguel met the ball with a clinical header, doubling Qatar's lead. Despite being reduced to 10 men after Tarek Salman's red card, Qatar held on for the win. In the final minutes, Sultan Adil scored a consolation goal for the UAE, but it was too little, too late.