Qatar Seal World Cup Berth, UAE Left Waiting

Doha delight as Emirati hopes delayed again

Qatar have secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a marginal 2–1 win over the UAE in Doha short whilw ago. The result ended Emirati hopes of direct qualification and sent the defending Asian champions to next year’s global showpiece in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

For the UAE, the loss means their path to a first World Cup appearance since 1990 now runs through the play-offs. They finish second in Group A and will face the Group B runners-up, either Saudi Arabia or Iraq, in the fifth round of Asian qualifying. The winner of that tie will move on to the intercontinental play-offs for a final shot at qualification.

At the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, the UAE began brightly. Cosmin Olăroiu’s side dominated possession in the first half, creating the better chances through Nicolas Giménez and Ali Saleh, but failed to find the breakthrough.

Qatar, led by the influential Akram Afif, struck early after the restart when Boualem Khoukhi rose highest to head home Afif’s free kick in the 49th minute. The UAE pushed for a response, but defensive gaps began to show, and in the 74th minute Pedro Miguel doubled Qatar’s lead from another Afif delivery.

Substitute Sultan Adel pulled one back for the UAE deep into stoppage time with a brilliant strike, sparking a late surge of pressure after Qatar’s Tarek Salman was sent off in the 87th minute. Yet Mahmoud Abunada’s late saves preserved Qatar’s lead and sealed their ticket to North America.

The result brought joy to the home crowd in Doha and disappointment for the travelling fans. Qatar celebrated qualification on home soil, while the UAE’s World Cup dream continues — alive, but hanging by a thread.