The UAE team achieved a significant 3-1 victory over Qatar in an important match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. This win brings them closer to their goal of making it to the World Cup. Both teams played with effort, but UAE’s strong performance led them to victory.
The game was full of thrilling moments, with UAE scoring key goals that excited their supporters. Although Qatar tried hard, they couldn’t stop the UAE. This win highlights UAE’s improving football skills and boosts their chances of reaching the World Cup.
UAE’s Comeback After Early Setback
The UAE started their third round of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with an impressive 3-1 victory against Qatar, turning the game around after being behind. The game was held in Doha on Thursday. Even though Qatar scored first, the UAE team bounced back and won the match. This remarkable performance helped them kick off their qualifying campaign on a high note.
Even though the UAE was losing 1-0 at the break, they managed to score three goals late in the second half, surprising the two-time Asian champions.
Key Moments and Future Fixtures
The UAE will aim to continue their success in Group A when they play against Iran in Al Ain on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Qatar will try to recover from their loss when they face DPR Korea.
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The two teams will earn spots in the 2026 FIFA World Cup who will be on the top. The teams that come in third and fourth will move on to the next round of Asian qualifiers.
The UAE last qualified for the World Cup in 1990, which was their first and only time in the world tournament so far.
The game on Thursday began in a rough manner, as both teams took some time to find their rhythm at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
Qatar made the first attacking move in the 15th minute, but Khalifa Al Hammadi’s last-minute block stopped Akram Afif from scoring an easy goal.
Afif then delivered a perfect cross from the left to teammate Jassem Gaber, but Gaber sent his header over the bar from a close distance.
Qatar stepped up their attack and took the lead in the 38th minute. Afif passed the ball to 18-year-old Ibrahim Al Hassan. Who got past Yahia Nader and scored with a strong shot into the bottom corner.
In the first 15 minutes of the second half, both teams matched each other evenly, and neither goalkeeper. Qatar’s Meshaal Barsham nor UAE’s Khalid Eisa—had to make any saves.
Just after 60 minutes, UAE almost scored when Abdulla Hamad took a powerful shot from outside the box. The ball hit the side of the net, alerting the hosts.
Gaining confidence, UAE leveled the score in the 68th minute when Harib Abdalla had room in the box to move inside and then fired a strong shot past Barsham.
UAE completed their comeback in the 80th minute when full-back Khaled Aldhanhani stole a pass. Ran forward to get the ball back from Harib, and then shot it into the top corner.
Late in the game, there was excitement when referee Shaun Evans awarded a penalty after seeing Nader handle the ball. But after a VAR review, the decision was reversed, taking away Qatar’s chance to change the outcome of the game.
In stoppage time, UAE scored a third goal when substitute Ali Saleh took advantage of a defensive error. Shooting the ball into the top of the net and securing the victory for the Emiratis.