DOHA, Oct 15 — Qatar and Saudi Arabia have secured their places at the 2026 World Cup after topping their respective groups in the fourth round of Asian qualifiers yesterday.
DOHA, Oct 15 — Qatar and Saudi Arabia have secured their places at the 2026 World Cup after topping their respective groups in the fourth round of Asian qualifiers yesterday.
In Group A, Qatar edged past the United Arab Emirates (UAE) 2-1 in Doha, with second-half goals from captain Boualem Khoukhi and Pedro Miguel sealing the 2022 hosts’ qualification for next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Later in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia booked their spot after a goalless draw against Iraq, ensuring their progression to the finals.
For Qatar, this marks their first World Cup qualification on merit, a redemption of sorts after their disappointing 2022 campaign when they became the first host nation to lose all three group matches.
In yesterday’s match at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Qatar — winners of the last two Asian Cups — took the lead early in the second half as Khoukhi headed in an Akram Afif free-kick. Pedro Miguel doubled the advantage in the 74th minute, capitalising on an error by UAE goalkeeper Khalid Essa.
Despite being reduced to 10 men following Tarek Salman’s late red card, Qatar held firm even after substitute Sultan Adil pulled one back for the UAE deep into stoppage time.
Under coach Julen Lopetegui, the former Spain and Real Madrid manager, Qatar successfully clinched qualification for their first World Cup away from home soil.
In Group B, Saudi Arabia confirmed their place at a third consecutive World Cup after holding Iraq to a 0-0 draw at King Abdullah Sports City.
The 2034 World Cup hosts, who famously defeated eventual champions Argentina in 2022, needed only a draw to qualify for what will be their seventh appearance on the world stage.
Herve Renard’s side created several chances — Saud Abdulhamid fired over from close range, and Saleh Abu Al Shamat, along with captain Salem Al Dawsari, was denied by Iraq goalkeeper Jalal Hassan.
In the dying moments, Saudi goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi produced a crucial save to preserve the draw, sparking celebrations among the 60,000-strong crowd in Jeddah.
Iraq, who last appeared at a World Cup in 1986, remain in contention and will face the UAE in a two-legged playoff next month, with the winner advancing to an intercontinental playoff. — AFP
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