Qatar and Saudi Arabia secure spots in 2026 World Cup

Qatar and Saudi Arabia joined the growing list of teams confirming their participation in the 2026 World Cup after topping their groups on Tuesday during the fourth stage of Asian qualifiers.

Within Group A, Qatar defeated the United Arab Emirates 2-1 in a crucial encounter in Doha, thanks to second-half strikes from skipper Boualem Khoukhi and Pedro Miguel, ensuring the 2022 tournament hosts advance to the upcoming event in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Later on in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia clinched qualification for the 2026 finals via a 0-0 stalemate against Iraq.

Qatar achieved their inaugural World Cup qualification through standard channels, helping to offset the disappointment from three years prior when they became the first host nation to exit after three group stage losses.

Facing the UAE on Tuesday at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, the recent Asian Cup champions opened the scoring four minutes after the break as Khoukhi rose to connect with Akram Afif's curling free-kick.

The scoreline improved for the home side on the 74th minute when Pedro Miguel capitalised on an error by UAE custodian Khalid Essa to head the ball into an unguarded goal.

Under the guidance of Julen Lopetegui, previously in charge of Spain, Real Madrid, and West Ham, Qatar endured the late red card shown to Tarek Salman for a high boot challenge, yet they repelled a last-gasp effort from UAE replacement Sultan Adil who volleyed home eight minutes into added time.

Nevertheless, Qatar maintained their advantage to earn a spot in their debut World Cup abroad.

In Group B, Saudi Arabia progressed to a third consecutive tournament by holding Iraq to a draw at the King Abdullah Sports City.

As hosts of 2034, the team that famously beat eventual champions Argentina in 2022 required just a point to confirm attendance at their seventh World Cup.

Manager Herve Renard's charges nearly went ahead two minutes post-restart, but Saud Abdulhamid from Lens lifted his shot over the bar despite the goal gaping wide against Iraq.

Shortly after, Saleh Abu Al Shamat of Al Ahli tested Iraq keeper Jalal Hassan with a long-range effort that prompted a strong save, followed by similar stops from the stopper against Saudi skipper Salem Al Dawsari and the similarly named Nasser Al Dawsari.

A crucial intervention by Nawaf Al Aqidi in goal during the dying moments of stoppage time sparked joy among the over 60,000 fans in Jeddah, securing Saudi Arabia's success.

Iraq, absent since 1986, still have a chance as they prepare for a playoff next month over two legs with the UAE, the victor advancing to an intercontinental qualifier.