Qatar is gearing up for the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian Qualifiers, marking a crucial stage in their quest for a historic qualification to the global event. As the two-time Asian champions, Qatar has never qualified for the World Cup before, making the upcoming edition in North America a golden opportunity for the team. The journey kicks off with a match against the United Arab Emirates, who have included players from English and French leagues in their squad for the qualifiers.
Under the guidance of coach Marquez Lopez, Qatar is relying on experienced forwards Almoez Ali and Akram Afif to lead the team’s charge against the UAE at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. The team will also face Iran, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and North Korea in Group A on a home-and-away basis until June 2025. Their goal is to secure a top-two finish in the group to ensure automatic qualification for the World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Despite enjoying a purple patch with an 11-match unbeaten run, Qatar is not underestimating the threat posed by the UAE. The Emiratis, currently ranked 69th in the world, have not defeated Qatar since 2015 and are determined to change that record. Both teams are gearing up for a tough battle, with the support of home fans expected to be a key factor in motivating the players.
On the other side, the UAE, under coach Paulo Bento, is also aiming for their second World Cup appearance. After narrowly missing out on the Qatar World Cup, the team stayed unbeaten in the second round of qualifiers. Bento has assembled a strong squad, including players from clubs like Montpellier and Southampton, to face the challenge posed by Qatar. The team is focused on getting a positive result in the start of their journey.
Looking beyond the statistics of past victories, Lopez is aware of the need for focus and determination in the upcoming matches. The coach and players are united in their goal of qualifying for the World Cup and are ready to give their best on the field. With the support of home fans and a positive atmosphere in training, Qatar is aiming to continue their winning streak and make history by securing a spot in the global event for the first time.
The stage is set for an intense battle between Qatar and the UAE, with both teams fully prepared to give their all in pursuit of victory. As the Asian Qualifiers unfold, football fans in the region are eagerly anticipating the outcome of these crucial matches. With the World Cup beckoning on the horizon, the stakes are high for both teams as they aim to make their mark on the global stage.
