Qatar qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026 as UAE's wait continues

Fans flock to Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium 4 hours before the start of the Qatar-UAE match

The clash at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha is more than just a game. It represents a chance for Cosmin Olaroiu’s men to make history, end a 35 year wait for the World Cup, and reward the players’ determination and the fans’ unwavering support. A win or a draw could see the UAE secure a place in the 2026 World Cup and achieve a moment that will be remembered for generations.

In recent years, the UAE has held the upper hand against Qatar, beating them home and away in the previous round of World Cup qualifiers, including a convincing 5-0 win and a 3-1 triumph. Qatar’s only victory in their last five meetings came in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup semi-final, a 4-0 result that showed their strength on big occasions.

Last five meetings:

• December 21, 2024: UAE 1–1 Qatar (26th Arabian Gulf Cup)

• November 19, 2024: UAE 5–0 Qatar (FIFA World Cup Qualification)

• September 5, 2024: Qatar 1–3 UAE (FIFA World Cup Qualification)

• January 13, 2023: Qatar 1–1 UAE (25th Arabian Gulf Cup)

• December 10, 2021: Qatar 5–0 UAE (FIFA Arab Cup)

UAE: In good form

Unbeaten in their last seven matches, including friendlies, the UAE has won five of them and is on a strong four-game winning streak. Their 2-1 remontada against Oman in the first play-off showed real character and belief.

Qatar: Struggling for rhythm

Qatar is winless in their last five matches and has only one win in their last seven, reflecting a clear dip in form. A goalless draw with Oman in their opening play-off left them under pressure and exposed their lack of sharpness in front of goal.

However, in the end, it’s all about who can handle the pressure better.

As of October 14, six AFC teams have already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, and Uzbekistan.

These teams secured their spots by finishing in the top two in their groups during the third round of AFC qualifiers.

The fourth round, or play-off round, is currently taking place. Teams are competing for the remaining two direct World Cup spots and one intercontinental playoff berth. The UAE face Qatar in a crucial match, while Saudi Arabia takes on Iraq. The winners of these games will claim the final two direct qualification spots from Asia.

The White shirts are ready.

All eyes are on Doha as the UAE prepare to face Qatar at the iconic Jassim bin Hamad Stadium on Tuesday. Here’s a look at the stadium just hours before kickoff, as excitement builds for the big match.

For Qatar, coach Julen Lopetegui, the former Real Madrid manager and Spain national team coach, has been in charge since May after being sacked by West Ham in the Premier League. He is under intense pressure, as failure to win today’s match could end his tenure with Qatar. It’s a do-or-die game for him.

UAE coach Cosmin Olaroiu

“This is it — we’re down to one final battle. We have to treat it like a final, and we hope we can achieve this dream for the UAE.”

Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui

“We’ve been working for months for this moment — to chase a big dream. Our focus is on the here and now. We’re preparing to be at our best and make that dream a reality.”

Cosmin Olaroiu is a highly successful and familiar figure in Emirati football, bringing deep tactical knowledge and regional experience. Before taking over the national team, he enjoyed multiple successful stints at top UAE clubs: Al Ain, Al Ahli, and most recently Sharjah FC, where he won the AFC Champions League Two in May 2025. His coaching success across the Arabian Peninsula, guiding clubs in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE to multiple titles, is a major asset.

Olaroiu has already shown his tactical sharpness. Trailing 1-0 at half-time against Oman, he made three key substitutions that turned the game into a comeback victory. He now faces decisions on whether players like Ali Saleh and Caio Canedo, who assisted the UAE’s goals, should start.

The UAE will likely use a disciplined mid-block to deny Qatar space and exploit swift counter-attacks, knowing a draw is enough. Qatar, under pressure to win in front of their home crowd, will be forced to dominate possession and attack relentlessly.

Qatar eliminated UAE from three consecutive tournaments:

• 2019 Asian Cup 4-0

• 2019 Gulf Cup 4-2

• 2021 Arab Cup 5-0

UAE turned the tables at the 2026 World Cup qualifiers:

• 3-1 in Doha

• 5-0 in Abu Dhabi

• All of this leads to a massive showdown between the two sides

The Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium is packed with fans, creating a vibrant atmosphere moments before kickoff.

Fans arriving at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium were welcomed with flowers by officials, adding a festive touch as excitement builds ahead of the match.

Win or a draw

A win or a draw will give UAE a direct entry to the World Cup next year.

A loss

A defeat to Qatar would place the UAE second in the group. While it would complicate their path, World Cup hopes remain alive through the fifth round of qualifiers.

In the fifth round, the UAE would face the second place team from Group B, currently a battle between Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The winner would earn a chance at the intercontinental play offs.

Akram Afif: Qatar’s creative heartbeat will look to dictate play with his pace, dribbling, and flair in attack. His ability to unlock defenses in big games could be the key to breaking down the UAE.

Almoez Ali: Qatar’s all-time leading goal scorer will be eager to make his mark after not starting against Oman. His experience, movement, and eye for goal could be crucial as he looks to fire Qatar to another World Cup.

Fabio Lima: Although Lima was subbed off in the previous game, he will be eager to play a pivotal role this time. Having scored four goals when the UAE defeated Qatar 5-0 in the earlier qualifier stage, he remains one of their most dangerous attacking weapons

Khalid Eissa: The UAE goalkeeper will have to be at his very best as Qatar are likely to create plenty of chances. His calm presence and crucial saves could determine whether the UAE seal their place at the World Cup.

Ruben Amaral, Lucas Pimenta, Kouame Kouadio, Khalid Eisa, Caio Canedo, Yahia Nader, Ala Zhir, Marcus Meloni, Caio Lucas, Ali Saleh, Nicolas Gimenez

Pedro Miguel, Edmilson Junior, Akram Afif, Karim Boudiaf, Ayoub Mohammed, Boualem Khoukhi, Mohammad Al Mannai, Sultan Al Brake, Mahmud Abunada, Almoez Ali, Assim Madibo

The Qatar national football team has arrived at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, preparing for their highly anticipated match against the UAE.

The UAE national team has arrived at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, ready for their crucial clash against Qatar.

Lopetegui has handed a start to Qatar’s all-time top scorer Almoez Ali, while Olaroiu has surprisingly benched Fabio Lima for this crucial clash. Interesting move!

The Qatar national team took to the field for pre-match warm-ups, energized by the cheers and support of their fans ahead of the clash with the UAE.

The UAE national team hit the field for pre-match warm-ups, fine-tuning their strategy and gearing up for tonight’s showdown against Qatar.

UAE’s Khaled Eissa will need to deliver his best performance in goal today, as Qatar is expected to create several scoring opportunities. The UAE must show resilience and grit to secure a positive result. With fans packing the stadium, the atmosphere and excitement is absolutely electric.

Qatar started aggressively as expected, with Edmílson Junior committing an early foul, Ayoub Al Ouwi having a shot, and Sultan Al Brake seeing one effort saved and another blocked, as the first half kicked off.

UAE kept possession for a while before Gimenez unleashed a brilliant curling effort, which was expertly saved. It looked like a corner, but the referee awarded a goal kick instead.

After weathering the early storm, UAE is now putting pressure on Qatar. Canedo delivered a brilliant cross from the right into the danger area, which Qatar somehow managed to clear, and Pimenta’s header from the resulting corner came agonizingly close.

After 20 minutes, UAE is controlling possession with 60 percent. Caio Canedo is giving Qatar’s Al-Brake a tough battle down the right flank.

Qatar had their best opportunity of the game as Akram Afif delivered a brilliant cross from the left, but Edmílson Junior couldn’t connect, and the ball went out for a goal kick. What a chance missed.

Emmanuel Junior’s cross from right found Al Mannai in the box, but he failed to direct his free header on target. It was a free header

Soon after his missed header, Mohammad Al Mannai was shown a yellow card for a reckless foul.

The first goal could prove crucial in this game. UAE has maintained a measured approach so far, while Qatar has struggled to apply consistent pressure but has managed to create a couple of promising chances in moments.

As half-time approaches, tension is visible in the crowd, as it’s mostly Qatar fans. At the moment, UAE are on course for World Cup qualification, but another 45 minutes of action still awaits.

The first 45 minutes at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, ended with no goals but plenty of intensity, as the UAE and Qatar battled to a tactical stalemate in their Group fixture under the watchful eye of Uzbek referee Ilgiz Tantashev.

The hosts began on the front foot, pressing high and looking to unsettle the Emirati defense early. 

Edmílson Junior tested UAE’s backline with a series of sharp runs, while Sultan Al Brake saw one effort saved and another blocked in quick succession. 

Akram Afif, Qatar’s most threatening outlet, nearly broke through on the left flank but was denied smartly by goalkeeper Khalid Essa.

Under coach Olaroiu Cosmin, the UAE responded with composure and structure, balancing their lines between defense and attack. 

After absorbing Qatar’s early pressure, they began dictating possession, holding 60 percent of the ball by the 20-minute mark. 

Nicolas Gimenez unleashed a curling strike from distance that was brilliantly parried by Qatari keeper Mahmoud Abunada, though the referee controversially awarded a goal kick.

Ali Saleh created the best chance of the half when he delivered a teasing cross into the box for Guilherme Pimenta, whose glancing header drifted inches past the post in the 16th minute. 

Qatar nearly responded through Afif again, whose long-range effort in the 24th minute whistled just wide of Essa’s left upright. 

Later, Mohammed Al Mannai squandered a golden chance, heading wide from close range before picking up a yellow card for a rash challenge moments later.

Both sides showed flashes of attacking promise but were ultimately let down by their finishing.

At the break, the score remains goalless, but the stats tell an interesting story. UAE has controlled possession with 55%, while Qatar leads in shots 5 to 3. Both teams have managed only one shot on target each.

For the UAE, the focus will likely be on staying disciplined, keeping a compact shape, and looking for chances on the counter. Qatar, meanwhile, will be urged by Julen Lopetegui to press high, win the ball earlier, and be more clinical in front of goal to trouble the UAE defence.

The stage is set for a compelling second half. UAE must balance patience with aggression, while Qatar will need to raise their intensity to break the deadlock in front of their home fans.

Will Lopetegui turn to his bench at half-time? On the other side, Oleiru doesn’t seem to need any changes just yet. Let’s take a look at the bench options for both teams.

No changes for either team as the second half gets underway. One of these teams is just 45 minutes away from a World Cup ticket.

A reminder: UAE only needs a draw to qualify directly, while Qatar must win to secure their spot. Even with a loss, UAE will advance to the next round of playoffs, whereas a draw for Qatar would see them finish second and enter the playoff stage.

Captain Boualem Khoukhi puts Qatar ahead! Akram Afif whipped in a dangerous free kick from the right, and Boualem Khoukhi rose to meet it with a powerful header, sending the ball past the UAE goalkeeper.

The atmosphere has changed dramatically, with the crowd buzzing after Qatar’s goal. All eyes are on Olaroiu. Will he make a change to turn the game around? Could it be the moment for Fabio Lima to enter and inject fresh energy into the UAE attack? Perhaps he will wait until the 60th minute. UAE should not panic. There is still plenty of time left, and they do not need to be desperate or force things. Remember, they made a late comeback against Oman.

After winning the first aerial duel, the ball fell to Pimenta from a long throw, but Pedro Miguel produced a brilliant block to deny the UAE.

In an incredible moment, 41-year-old Sebastian Soria comes onto the pitch for Almoez Ali. Lucas Mendes also replaces Boualem Khoukhi.

Another long throw from Meloni is comfortably held by the Qatar goalkeeper, but the visitors still look uneasy defending these aerial deliveries.

UAE makes triple changes, with Harib Suhail replacing Rúben Amaral, Erik coming on for Ali Saleh, and Sultan Adil entering for Caio Canedo, after already making an earlier substitution with Luan Pereira replacing Alaeddine Zouhir, totaling four changes so far.

Pedro Miguel doubles Qatar’s lead following another brilliant free kick from Akram Afif, this time from the left side. The delivery was deep, and UAE goalkeeper Eissa misjudged it, leaving him stranded in no man’s land.

Eisa should have done better. Credit to Pedro Miguel for anticipating, but the goalkeeper needed to take control and handle the situation.

Since coming on, Sultan Adil Alamiri has been active in the air, producing another header that goes wide. He has to test the keeper next.

With all the substitutions and stoppages, there is likely to be plenty of added time. However, UAE will need to score in the next five minutes to stand any chance of a comeback

Tarek Salman is sent off after a VAR review for a challenge on Erik, and with 15 minutes of added time remaining, UAE now have a numerical advantage.

It’s all-out attack from UAE as they throw everything at Qatar, but the hosts are defending resolutely. Can anyone produce a magical moment to turn the game around for UAE?

A cross from the right fell to Erik in the box, but his shot was brilliantly saved by Qatar’s goalkeeper, who is playing only his second game. Erik made good contact, and UAE continue to flood the box with crosses.

Finally, Sultan Adil Alamiri finds the net. A well-placed cross is headed to Alamiri, who controls it with his chest and finishes perfectly. UAE are back in the game with six minutes left to play.

Fabio Lima’s shot from outside the box goes well wide, while Erik receives a yellow card for a foul on Sebastian Soria.

Qatar got an opportunity to waste more time as Autonne gave away a poor and unnecessary corner.

The final whistle blows exactly at 15 minutes of added time. Many are left perplexed as Qatar wasted time during injury time, yet the referee did not extend the period further.

The UAE national football team fell to host nation Qatar 2–1 on Tuesday evening in a tense and highly anticipated Arab derby at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha. The match, part of the third round of Group A qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup (Asia), ended in heartbreak for the UAE despite a spirited late surge.

The first half saw a balanced tactical battle between the two sides, with UAE’s Nicolas Giménez testing Qatar’s goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada early on, and Ali Saleh and Peimenta narrowly missing a chance to put the Emiratis ahead. Possession favored the UAE at 60 percent, but both teams went into halftime locked at 0–0.

Qatar broke the deadlock just three minutes into the second half, when Boualem Khoukhi headed in a free kick fromAkram Afif, giving the hosts a 1–0 lead. 

Despite multiple substitutions from UAE coach Cosmin Olăroiu, including the introduction of Luan Pereira, Harib Abdullah, and Sultan Adel, the Emiratis struggled to find the equalizer.

In the 74th minute, Qatar doubled its lead through Pedro Miguel, who scored another header from a set piece delivered once again by the outstanding Afif, extending the advantage to 2–0.

The UAE continued to press forward, showing determination and attacking intent in the final minutes. Substitute Sultan Adel came close twice, first with a header that went just wide and then with a powerful right-footed strike in stoppage time to reduce the deficit to 2–1.

Tensions rose late in the match when Qatar’s Tarek Salman was sent off in the 87th minute following a VAR review for a reckless challenge on Eric Mendes. The referee added 15 minutes of stoppage time, during which the UAE mounted several dangerous attacks, including a close-range effort by Eric that was denied brilliantly by goalkeeper Abunada.

Despite a valiant fightback, the UAE’s efforts weren’t enough to overturn the deficit. The defeat leaves the team in a challenging position as it looks ahead to the remaining fixtures in the fourth-round qualifiers.