Qatar's defender #2 Pedro Miguel celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian qualifier football match between Qatar and the UAE at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on October 14, 2025. (Photo by Karim Jaafar / AFP)
Doha: Boualem Khoukhi and Pedro Miguel were the heroes as Qatar edged past the United Arab Emirates 2-1 in a tense clash, securing their first-ever FIFA World Cup qualification on merit on a dramatic night in Doha.
Khoukhi opened the scoring with a clinical header in the 49th minute, while Pedro Miguel doubled the lead with a stunning header in the 74th - both goals coming from pinpoint set-piece deliveries by Akram Afif.
Tensions escalated late in the game after substitute Tarek Salman, who came on in the 71st minute, was shown a yellow card that was upgraded to red following a VAR review in the 89th minute - a setback that further intensified the pressure in the closing moments.
Qatar's defender #2 Pedro Miguel celebrates after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian qualifier football match between Qatar and the UAE at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on October 14, 2025. (Photo by Karim Jaafar / AFP)
The UAE mounted a late push, with Sultan Adil pulling one back in the eighth minute of stoppage time, finishing from a Fabio Lima assist during a nerve-wracking 15 minutes of added time.
But Qatar stood strong under pressure to protect their lead and clinch a historic qualification.
The win sent home fans into raptures at the 15,000-seater Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium as celebrations erupted following the final whistle.
The victory capped a turbulent qualifying campaign for Qatar for the 48-team World Cup, marked by four coaching changes before former Spain and Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui finally steered the team to success.
“It was a very difficult match. We faced a strong and well-prepared team, the UAE,” said Lopetegui.
“I congratulate everyone on qualifying in a match that we were able to manage well with the players and the team. Yes, this is the first time we have qualified and this is a great achievement for us. We are happy to qualify and participate in the next World Cup.”
Qatar supporters wave flags and scarves during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian qualifier football match between Qatar and the UAE at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on October 14, 2025. (Photo by Karim Jaafar / AFP)
“The first half was balanced. We wanted to score, and we achieved that early in the second half. We had to give our best in the match. I thank the players and the fans. Everyone did what was necessary. We overcame a difficult stage, qualified and made our fans happy.”
It was far from a smooth path, as Qatar faced a must-win scenario against a side that had previously beaten them 3-1 and 5-0 in the earlier round of Asian qualifiers.
But the reigning Asian champions rose to the occasion, delivering when it mattered most to seal their World Cup berth — having made their debut as hosts in 2022.
With Qatar facing a must-win situation, Lopetegui made one change from the goalless draw against Oman, bringing in experienced striker Almoez Ali to replace Ahmed Al Ganehi in the starting lineup.
UAE coach Cosmin Olaroiu, whose side needed only a draw to advance following their 2-1 win over Oman on Saturday, opted for four changes to his starting eleven.
Mohammed Farag/The Peninsula
Qatar created an early opening when Afif delivered a dangerous cross from the left to Sultan Al Brake, whose shot was blocked by UAE goalkeeper Khalid Eissa. Ayoub Al Ouwi pounced on the rebound but fired well off target in what was a promising opportunity.
The UAE registered their first real attempt in the 13th minute when Nicolas Gimenez unleashed a powerful left-footed shot from outside the box that narrowly missed the left post. Moments later, Lucas Pimenta went close with a header off Ali Saleh’s cross following a short corner, as the UAE began to grow into the game after a cautious start.
Edmilson Junior nearly turned the tide for Qatar, but he couldn’t connect with a brilliant diagonal ball from Afif inside the box, letting a golden opportunity slip. Despite UAE dominating possession, Qatar remained threatening in their attacking bursts.
At the half-hour mark, Qatar missed another clear chance when Mohammad Al Mannai sent a bouncing header wide from the center of the box after a well-placed cross by Edmilson Junior from the right.
Almoez then underhit a shot from the edge of the box, while Edmilson Junior fired high from long range, as both sides went into the break goalless in an entertaining and balanced first half.
The momentum shifted early in the second half as Qatar took the lead.
Edmilson Junior won a free kick on the right side of the box after being fouled by Ali Saleh, setting the stage for the vibrant Qatari fans to erupt in anticipation.
Afif delivered a precise cross, and Khoukhi rose highest to head the ball into the right corner, giving Eissa no chance.
The UAE responded quickly, with Pimenta seeing his effort blocked by Miguel.
Qatar made a double substitution shortly after the hour mark. Making a surprise return to the national team after eight years, 41-year-old Sebastian Soria replaced injured Almoez while Lucas Mendes came on for Khoukhi.
In the 71st minute, Lopetegui was forced into another change, with Salman coming on for the injured Al Ouwi.
The UAE continued to press and Adil came close to equalising, narrowly missing the target with a header off a precise lofted ball from Erik.
But it was Qatar who struck again as Afif sent in another superb delivery, and Miguel met it with a brilliant header into the far side netting from the right edge of the six-yard box, leaving Eissa stranded and sparking wild celebrations in the stadium.
UAE pushed forward in the closing minutes, and Qatar suffered a setback when Salman was sent off. With 15 minutes of injury time added, the UAE pulled one back in the 8th minute of stoppage time. Adil found the net following a well-timed assist from Fabio Lima.
The visitors continued to threaten, but Qatar’s goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada - making only his second international appearance - stood firm with key saves to ensure Al Annabi held on for a historic victory.
Qatar’s post-match celebrations continued with a team parade through the city, as jubilant fans lined the streets to cheer their heroes.
Despite the loss, UAE side remain in contention for a World Cup spot - their first since the 1990 edition. As Group A runners-up, they will now face a two-legged play-off against Iraq, who finished second in Group B. The winner of that clash will move on to the FIFA Play-Off Tournament, their final chance to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup.
“We controlled the match and put pressure on our opponents, but in the second half, we conceded an early goal. Football can be unfair sometimes and now we have to move on to the next phase. We will strive to come back stronger and improve our chances,” said Olaroiu.
“There were 15 minutes of stoppage time, and we could have equalised, although the second goal killed the game. We scored, but the game was stopped frequently. It’s unfortunate to have reached this point. We have to fight for our chance and learn from our mistakes moving forward.”
