Qatar and Saudi Arabia have officially qualified for the 2026 World Cup, becoming the latest Asian teams to secure their spots. Both nations topped their respective groups on Tuesday during the fourth round of the Asian qualifiers, ensuring a place at next year’s prestigious tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
In Group A, Qatar triumphed 2-1 over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Doha. Second-half goals from captain Boualem Khoukhi and Pedro Miguel sealed the win for the 2022 World Cup hosts. The victory marked a strong comeback for Qatar, who previously made history as the first host nation to lose all three group matches in 2022.
Khoukhi opened the scoring early in the second half with a header from Akram Afif’s precise free-kick, while Miguel doubled the lead following a goalkeeping error by UAE’s Khalid Essa. Despite a late red card for Tarek Salman and a last-minute goal by UAE’s Sultan Adil, Qatar held firm to secure their qualification for the 2026 World Cup — their first appearance on foreign soil.
In Group B, Saudi Arabia clinched their spot after a goalless draw against Iraq in Jeddah. The result ensured their third consecutive qualification for the global event. The Saudi side, famous for their shocking win against Argentina in the 2022 World Cup, showcased defensive discipline under coach Herve Renard.
With this result, the 2034 World Cup hosts have confirmed their seventh appearance at football’s biggest stage. Goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi’s crucial save in injury time ensured the Saudis finished unbeaten and celebrated qualification in front of over 60,000 fans.
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Meanwhile, Iraq still has a chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. They will face the UAE in a two-legged playoff next month, with the winner advancing to an intercontinental playoff round.
