Doha: The Qatari national football team qualified for the 2026 World Cup hosted by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), for the second time in its history after defeating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) 2-1 at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, in the final round of Group A of the Asian qualifier playoffs.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Qatar took the lead with goals in the 49th and 74th minute by Boualem Khoukhi and Pedro Miguel, before the UAE reduced the deficit with a goal in the 89th minute by Sultan Adil.
Qatar secured the top spot in Group A with four points, ahead of the UAE, who finished second with three points. The UAE will now face the runner-up of Group B in a home and away tie in November for a chance to advance to the intercontinental playoff.