Doha, Qatar – Tunisia defeated Qatar 2-0 in a crucial Group C match at Al Bayt Stadium on Saturday, December 7, 2025, effectively eliminating the hosts from the tournament. Both teams entered the match with only one point, making this a must-win game, but Tunisia proved too strong, capitalizing on a second-half advantage and a late red card against Qatar. The result significantly impacts the group standings as Syria and Palestine played simultaneously, with both currently holding 4 points.
The match was a tense affair from the start, with both sides keenly aware of the stakes. A win for either team was essential to keep their hopes alive, but the defeat leaves Qatar unable to qualify for the next stage, regardless of the outcome of the Syria vs. Palestine match. This marks a disappointing end to Qatar’s campaign as the host nation.
Qatar’s Tournament Ends with Defeat: Key Moments from the Match
Tunisia took the lead in the 16th minute when Ben Romdhane scored off a rebound after Qatar’s goalkeeper spilled the initial shot. Despite the early setback, Qatar pressed for an equalizer, particularly towards the end of the first half, but were unable to break down the Tunisian defense.
The second half saw Qatar increase their attacking intensity, missing several scoring opportunities within the first ten minutes. However, Tunisia doubled their advantage in the 62nd minute with a header from Yassine Meriah off a corner kick.
The game took a further turn for Qatar in the 65th minute when Al Jaziri received a red card, leaving Tunisia to play with ten men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Tunisia held firm, preventing Qatar from mounting a comeback.
First Half Battle
The first half was characterized by a cautious approach from both teams, with a lot of the play concentrated in midfield. Tunisia enjoyed periods of sustained pressure, forcing Qatar to defend deep. A crucial goal-line clearance by Qatar’s Al Hashmi in the 41st minute prevented Tunisia from extending their lead before halftime.
Second Half Push and Defensive Resilience
Qatar came out firing in the second half, demonstrating a clear intent to find an equalizer. However, their efforts were thwarted by a resolute Tunisian defense and some solid goalkeeping. The sending-off of Al Jaziri added to Qatar’s woes, making a comeback even more difficult. The Qatar vs Tunisia match ultimately highlighted the difference in clinical finishing.
The match saw several near misses, with Firas Chaouat’s shot drifting just wide for Tunisia in the 31st minute and Al Brake’s attempt easily saved by the Tunisian goalkeeper in the 27th minute. These moments underscored the fine margins that often decide international football matches.
The result places significant pressure on Syria and Palestine to determine who will advance from Group C. The outcome of their simultaneous match will decide the group winner and the other qualifying team. This World Cup qualifier has been full of surprises.
Looking ahead, the focus will now shift to the remaining group matches and the qualification scenarios. The performance of both Syria and Palestine will be closely scrutinized as they vie for a place in the next round. The tournament organizers will also be assessing the impact of Qatar’s early exit on fan engagement and overall event atmosphere. The next steps involve analyzing the group standings and preparing for the knockout stages, contingent on the results of the Syria-Palestine game.
