Qatar booked their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 win over the United Arab Emirates in Doha on Tuesday night, their first-ever qualification earned through the competition’s regular route.
After hosting the 2022 edition, Qatar showed renewed determination at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium. A tense first half ended goalless, with the UAE dominating possession but failing to convert chances through Ali Saleh and Nicolas Giménez.
The breakthrough came just after the restart. Boualem Khoukhi rose highest to head home Akram Afif’s curling free-kick in the 49th minute.
The hosts doubled their advantage in the 74th minute, when Afif once again turned provider delivering a precise cross for Pedro Miguel to nod in from close range.
Qatar were reduced to ten men in the 87th minute after Tarek Salman’s red card, giving the UAE late hope.
Substitute Sultan Adel pulled one back deep into stoppage time, setting up a frantic finale, but Qatar held firm to seal their ticket to North America.
With the win, Qatar top Group A in Asian qualifying, while the UAE’s World Cup dream stays alive through the playoff route.
For the Maroons, this marks a historic step, their first qualification achieved purely on merit.