UAE defeats Qatar 3-1 in high-stakes World Cup qualifier

In a match full of twists and turns, the United Arab Emirates pulled off a dramatic 3-1 comeback win against Qatar in the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday. Qatar, known for their attacking prowess, almost took the lead in the 15th minute, but Khalifa Al Hammadi made a crucial late interception to deny Akram Afif a sure-fire goal.

The AFC Asian Qualifiers Road to 26 Group A clash was held at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Qatar.

Qatar continued their push with Jassem Gaber getting a golden chance from a perfectly placed cross by Afif, but Gaber’s header went just over the bar. The pressure was on, and it paid off when Ibrahim Al Hassan, only 18 years old, unleashed a rocket into the bottom corner in the 38th minute to put Qatar ahead.

UAE scored the first goal in 68th minute, passed by Harib Abdalla to Barsham, who then leveled the score.WAM

The second half saw both teams battling hard, but neither goalkeeper, Qatar’s Meshaal Barsham or UAE’s Khalid Eisa, had much to do for the first 15 minutes. Then, just after the hour mark, UAE's Abdulla Hamad sent a powerful shot from the edge of the box that thudded into the side netting, a warning sign for Qatar.

UAE’s breakthrough came in the 68th minute when Harib Abdalla found himself with a bit of space in the box. He seized the moment, cutting inside and blasting a shot past Barsham to level the score. In the 80th minute, full-back Khaled Aldhanhani made a stunning play. After intercepting a pass, he surged forward, received a return pass from Abdalla, and unleashed a shot that soared into the top corner.

UAE will face Iran in the next match.WAM

Things got even more dramatic late in the game when referee Shaun Evans pointed to the spot for a handball by UAE’s Yahia Nader. But after a VAR review, the penalty was overturned, much to Qatar's dismay.

The final blow came in stoppage time when UAE’s substitute Ali Saleh pounced on a defensive mistake and hammered the ball into the roof of the net, sealing the 3-1 win for the UAE,