The UAE silenced a packed Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Thursday night, coming from behind to beat Qatar 3-1 in the AFC Asian Qualifiers — Road to 2026, dealing a major blow to the defending Asian champions and boosting their own FIFA World Cup qualification push.
Qatar Strike First, UAE Respond
Qatar controlled the opening exchanges. Two-time AFC Asian Cup champions, the hosts started assertively, with Akram Afif probing the UAE backline repeatedly in the early stages. Their dominance paid off in the 38th minute when Ibrahim Al Hassan dribbled past UAE defender Yahia Nader and fired low into the bottom corner to put Qatar ahead at half-time.
The UAE, managed by Paulo Bento, were staring at a difficult deficit. But the second half told a completely different story.
Three Goals Turn the Tie
The UAE grew into the game after the restart and began creating real danger. The equaliser arrived in the 68th minute when Harib Abdalla created space for himself inside the box and beat Qatari goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham with a clinical finish.
With momentum firmly on their side, the UAE pressed for more. Khaled Aldhanhani delivered a decisive blow in the 80th minute, driving a brilliant low shot into the top-right corner to put Bento's men in front for the first time.
Qatar nearly found a route back into the match when the referee awarded a free kick for handball — but a VAR review overturned the decision, denying the hosts a potential equaliser at a crucial moment.
Substitute Ali Saleh then capitalised on a defensive error deep in added time to score the third, sealing a 3-1 victory and sending the UAE fans celebrating in the stands.
What This Win Means for UAE's World Cup Dream
The result carries significant weight in Group A of the AFC third-round qualifiers. It was UAE's first victory over Qatar since a 4-1 win at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup — and it ended Qatar's 11-match unbeaten run. The win moved the UAE into a strong position in their group as they continue their campaign on the Road to 2026.
The AFC Asian Qualifiers third round runs through to June 2025, with the top two teams in each group earning direct berths at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
