Qatar defeat UAE to secure World Cup spot

Qatar beat the UAE 2-1 in the fourth round of Asian qualifying on Tuesday to seal a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The home side scored twice in the second half at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, through Boualem Khoukhi (49’) and Pedro Miguel (74’), while Sultan Adil (90+8') netted a late goal for the UAE.

The defeat meant the UAE missed out on automatic qualification, finishing second in Group A with 3 points, behind Qatar (4 points), and will now navigate a play-off round in November for their last chance to qualify for next year's tournament.

It will be a second straight appearance at the finals for Qatar, who hosted the last edition in 2022.