DOHA — Qatar are heading back to the FIFA World Cup. The 2022 hosts secured their place at the 2026 Finals with a 2-1 victory over the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, as second-half headers from Boualem Khouki and Pedro Miguel sent the Maroons through from Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 playoffs. Akram Afif — the reigning AFC Player of the Year — was once again the difference-maker at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium. The Al Sadd playmaker delivered two pinpoint free kicks in the 49th and 74th minutes, both converted with precision by Khouki and Pedro, giving Julien Lopetegui's side an unassailable lead. Sultan Adil's late strike in injury time, coming after Tarek Salman's red card, made for a nervous finish, but Qatar held firm to claim their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup — their second straight appearance after debuting as hosts in 2022. The UAE's hopes, meanwhile, are still alive. Cosmin Olaroiu's men will face the runners-up of Group B in a two-legged playoff next month, with the winners advancing to the FIFA Playoff Tournament in March. Qatar came out firing from the opening whistle, with Sultan Al Brake's close-range effort blocked by Khaled Eisa and Ayoub Al Ouwi's rebound flashing across goal. The visitors nearly struck first through Lucas Pimenta, who powered a header narrowly wide in the 15th minute. Afif continued to dictate play, tormenting the Emirati defense with his movement and delivery. His curling free-kick early in the second half broke the deadlock, finding Khouki's head for a textbook finish. Then, midway through the half, another Afif set piece met Pedro Miguel at the far post, doubling the lead and sending the Doha crowd into raptures. Even with 10 men, Qatar's composure and structure held strong. Adil's late goal offered brief hope for the UAE, but it wasn't enough to deny the Maroons a historic night — one that seals their place among Asia's elite once again.
