Qatar and Saudi Arabia have secured their places at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following decisive results in the final round of the Asian qualifiers on Tuesday.
Both nations finished top of their respective groups to confirm automatic qualification for the tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico next year.
Qatar defeat UAE 2-1 in Doha
At the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar overcame the UAE with a 2-1 victory in their Group A playoff clash.
Second-half goals from Boualem Khoukhi and Pedro Miguel ensured the reigning Asian champions advanced, marking Qatar’s first-ever World Cup qualification achieved through the qualifying rounds.
Khoukhi opened the scoring four minutes into the second half, heading home an Akram Afif free-kick. On 74 minutes, Pedro Miguel capitalised on a goalkeeping error by Khalid Essa to double Qatar’s lead.
Tarek Salman’s late red card for a high challenge reduced Qatar to ten men, but the team held firm even after substitute Sultan Adil pulled one back for the UAE deep into stoppage time.
The victory sees Qatar, coached by Julen Lopetegui, secure a return to football’s biggest stage, extending their momentum after back-to-back AFC Asian Cup triumphs.
Saudi Arabia hold Iraq to clinch qualification
In Group B, Saudi Arabia earned their third consecutive World Cup appearance with a goalless draw against Iraq at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
The result confirmed Saudi Arabia’s progression to their seventh World Cup finals, cementing their position among Asia’s footballing elite.
Managed by Hervé Renard, the 2034 World Cup hosts only needed a point to advance and came close to scoring through Saud Abdulhamid early in the second half, while Saleh Abu Al Shamat and captain Salem Al Dawsari also tested Iraq’s defence.
A crucial late save from Nawaf Al Aqidi in injury time ensured Saudi Arabia’s qualification, sparking celebrations among more than 60,000 supporters in the stands.
The result ends Iraq’s hopes of automatic qualification. The 1986 participants will now face the UAE in a two-legged playoff next month, with the winner advancing to an intercontinental playoff for a potential World Cup berth.
Middle East representation strengthens for 2026
The dual qualification strengthens the Middle East’s football presence at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, continuing a run of competitive progress since the region hosted the 2022 edition in Doha.
With both Qatar and Saudi Arabia securing early advancement, the Gulf nations reaffirm their growing influence in Asian football and their ambitions to remain fixtures on the global stage.
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