Qatar makes history, World Cup awaits

Doha, Qatar: On a night charged with tension and destiny, Asian champions Qatar rose to the occasion battling past the United Arab Emirates 2 1 to cli...

Doha, Qatar: On a night charged with tension and destiny, Asian champions Qatar rose to the occasion battling past the United Arab Emirates 2-1 to clinch a historic spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — their first-ever qualification earned on the pitch.

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani congratulated the nation and the team on the win, wishing them success at the World Cup.

Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani also congratulated team Qatar. "We congratulate our national team on qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and we praise the outstanding performance of our brotherly Emirati team. Our national team delivered an honourable performance in the match that qualified it for this achievement. All the best to Al-Annabi in their upcoming journey," he wrote on X.

Euphoria erupted at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium as jubilant fans and players celebrated a hard-fought victory that capped a topsy-turvy qualifying campaign on a triumphant note. Among the emotional scenes was the Personal Representative of H H the Amir, H H Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, congratulating players and team officials in the stands, while fans waved the national flag in celebration.

Qatar entered the must-win clash under pressure after a goalless draw against Oman last week. But under the guidance of coach Julen Lopetegui, the team delivered when it mattered most, excelling in front of a packed stadium to top Group A and progress to the global football showpiece.After a tense and goalless first half, captain Boualem Khoukhi opened the scoring in the 49th minute with a clinical header. Pedro Miguel doubled the lead in the 74th minute, converting another expertly delivered set-piece by Akram Afif, who was instrumental in both goals.