Doha, Qatar: All eyes will turn to the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium tonight as regional rivals Qatar and the United Arab Emirates go head-to-head in a decisive play-off that will determine who earns direct qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
For Qatar, who made their World Cup debut as hosts in 2022, this match represents a historic opportunity to qualify for them to qualify to the tournament on merit for the first time. A victory tonight would seal Al Annabi’s place among football’s elite nations. Meanwhile, the UAE—chasing their first World Cup appearance since 1990—need only a draw to advance.
Although the UAE enter with a slight advantage, the balance of power remains uncertain. In football, anything can happen, and this clash is no exception.
“We must find solutions on the pitch. Our goal is clear: to qualify. We’ll give everything in this decisive match to make that happen and fulfill the dream of everyone in Qatar,” said Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui.
Across the bench, UAE coach Cosmin Olaroiu expressed equal belief in his squad’s ability to deliver under pressure. “Games like this bring great motivation. We have big ambitions heading into this match against Qatar and will give our all on the field,” he stated.
The winner of tonight’s encounter will secure an automatic berth at the 2026 World Cup, while the runner-up will move into a two-legged play-off against the second-placed side from Group B—featuring Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Indonesia. The victor from that tie will progress to the FIFA play-off tournament, offering one final chance at qualification.
Oman still hold an outside chance of snatching the runner-up position in Group A, but only if the UAE defeat Qatar by at least two goals.
Follow all the match excitement and highlights here.
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Here is how Al Annabi will line-up for the crucial World Cup qualifier game
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— الاتحاد القطري لكرة القدم (@QFA) October 14, 2025
