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.
South Africa humble England to reach ICC Women's World Cup final
First Australia-India Twenty20 washed out by Canberra rain
Dubai Basketball falls short in EuroLeague clash against Baskonia
Hayden Wilde chases six-for-six at Pro Dubai T100
Alcaraz left nonplussed after shock defeat to Norrie in Paris
