Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
Doha, Oct 15: Qatar and Saudi Arabia have secured their spots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after topping their respective groups in the fourth round of Asian qualifiers on Tuesday. Qatar defeated the United Arab Emirates 2-1, while Saudi Arabia earned a goalless draw against Iraq.
For Qatar, this marks the first time the nation has advanced through qualification after losing all three group-stage matches as hosts of the 2022 World Cup. Saudi Arabia, which will host the 2034 tournament, will make its seventh World Cup appearance in North America next summer.
Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui, who missed coaching Spain at the 2018 World Cup after being dismissed two days before the tournament, hailed the achievement. “For me, it’s one of the best days in my career. Today I think is one big achievement we have to enjoy,” he told beIN Sports.
In Group A, Qatar finished first, ahead of second-placed UAE, which now faces Iraq in a playoff next month. Oman, finishing third, was eliminated.
The Qatar-UAE match saw Mohammed Al-Mannai narrowly miss a header in the 30th minute. Early in the second half, Khoukhi scored with a header off a free kick from Akram Afif. Later, Afif assisted Pedro Miguel for Qatar’s second goal. The hosts were reduced to 10 men in the 87th minute after Tarek Salman received a straight red card. UAE pulled one back late through Sultan Adil, making for a tense finish — a draw would have been enough for the Emirates to advance.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s 0-0 draw with Iraq in Jeddah secured Group B. The home team dominated possession but failed to convert chances. Iraq would have qualified for the first time since 1986 with a victory.
Elsewhere in Asia, Japan and South Korea, already assured of World Cup berths, continued their strong form in friendlies against South American opponents. Japan overcame Brazil 3-2 in Tokyo, coming back from a two-goal deficit, with Ayase Ueda scoring the winner in the 71st minute. South Korea defeated Paraguay 2-0 in Seoul.
With these results, four Asian teams — Japan, South Korea, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia — have now confirmed participation in next year’s World Cup, while UAE and Iraq will contest a playoff for a potential fifth spot.