Qatar and Saudi Arabia Confirm Places at 2026 FIFA World Cup After Critical Qualifying Results

Key Takeaways:

• Qatar defeated the United Arab Emirates 2:1 in Al Rayyan to seal their spot at the 2026 World Cup
• Saudi Arabia booked their third consecutive World Cup appearance with a goalless draw against Iraq in Jeddah
• The United Arab Emirates and Iraq will compete for intercontinental playoff qualification

Qatar Secure Progress with Home Victory

Qatar clinched qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after overcoming the United Arab Emirates 2:1 in a Group “A” fixture of the Asian qualifiers, held in Al Rayyan. Boualem Khoukhi struck first for the hosts in the 49th minute, before Pedro Miguel added a second goal in the 74th. Sultan Adil managed to reduce the deficit for the UAE deep into stoppage time, just after Qatar were reduced to ten men following the 89th-minute dismissal of Tarek Salman.

Under the leadership of Spanish manager Julen Lopetegui, Qatar completed the round at the summit of Group “A” with four points, thereby confirming their participation in the next World Cup. Having hosted the tournament in 2022, the 2026 event will represent their second appearance in the competition.

Saudi Arabia have just qualified for the 2026 World Cup. 🇸🇦✅

And Hervé Renard is in charge gain, the same coach who beat Argentina in Qatar. 👀 pic.twitter.com/Tgg4u8HA4e

— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) October 14, 2025

UAE and Oman Positions in the Group

The United Arab Emirates finished second in the group standings and will advance to the playoffs to compete for World Cup qualification. Oman, with a total of one point, settled for third place in the group.

Saudi Arabia Book World Cup Return

Saudi Arabia also secured their place at the tournament to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, following a 0:0 draw with Iraq during the same stage of Asian qualification, contested in Jeddah. This result ensures that Hervé Renard’s side reaches their third World Cup in succession, following previous participations in 2018 and 2022.

Saudi Arabia finish their qualifying group with four points, edging Iraq on goal difference. Iraq will now need to face the UAE in pursuit of a place via the intercontinental playoffs.