Qatar booked their place at next year’s World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada with a tense 2-1 win over the United Arab Emirates in Doha on Tuesday, thanks to second-half headers from Boualem Khouki and Pedro Miguel.
After a cagey first half, Khouki broke the deadlock four minutes after the restart, rising to meet Akram Afif’s pinpoint free kick.
The Asian Player of the Year turned provider again in the 74th minute, floating another superb delivery into the box for Miguel to double the hosts’ advantage.
Qatar were reduced to 10 men in the 89th minute when Tarek Salman was shown a red card for a reckless challenge, and the UAE pulled one back deep into stoppage time through Sultan Adil.
Despite more than 15 minutes of added time, Julen Lopetegui’s side held firm to secure qualification.
The result sees Qatar top Group A with four points, ahead of the UAE on three and Oman on one, in the fourth round of Asian qualifying.
“This is something we’re proud of,” said Afif after the match. “We earned this through our effort. We were determined to qualify and we made it happen. It’s a small gift to thank our fans for their support.”
The reigning Asian champions will now appear at their second consecutive World Cup, having debuted as hosts in 2022.
The UAE, meanwhile, will face either Saudi Arabia or Iraq in a two-legged playoff next month, with the winner advancing to March’s intercontinental playoff.
