An official picks Qatar during the official draw ceremony.
Doha: The reigning two-time AFC Asian Cup champions Qatar were yesterday drawn into Group A, alongside regional rivals UAE and Oman for the decisive fourth round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The official draw ceremony, which took place at the Asian Football Confederation’s headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the Asian qualifying campaign as the regional heavyweights aim for a direct ticket to the global football showpiece which will be jointly hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico.
While the top side of each group will join the six Asian nations that have already made it to the finals, the second-placed teams from both groups will face off in a two-legged showdown across November 13 and 18. This knockout stage will determine Asia’s representative at the FIFA Play-off tournament, which offers one last qualifying opportunity.
The high-stakes play-off matches will be played in a centralized, single round-robin format from October 8 to 14. Saudi Arabia will host the competitions in Group B which also includes Iraq and Indonesia.
Qatar, coached by Spaniard Julen Lopetegui, will kick off their campaign against Oman on October 8 before facing the UAE on October 14. All matches will be played at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.
Al Annabi are holding a training camp in Austria, looking to ensure they are in peak condition before the crucial showdowns as they aim for their second consecutive appearance on the world stage.
Qatar had previously qualified for the global showpiece as the hosts of the 2022 edition, regarded as the best ever FIFA World Cup.
Six of the eight direct Asian berths for the 2026 tournament have already been secured following the conclusion of the third qualifying round in June. The qualified teams are Japan, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, and Australia.
GROUP A fixtures
October 8: Qatar vs Oman
October 11: United Arab Emirates vs Oman
October 14: Qatar vs United Arab Emirates
All matches to be held at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium
GROUP B
October 8: Indonesia vs Saudi Arabia
October 11: Iraq vs Indonesia
October 14: Saudi Arabia vs Iraq
All matches to be held at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah
