Doha, Qatar: Qatar players are exuding confidence ahead of their crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier against the United Arab Emirates set to take place in Abu Dhabi tomorrow. The reigning Asian champions registered a much-needed 3-2 victory against Uzbekistan, reviving their hopes to qualify for the World Cup in the thrilling match in Doha on Thursday. With little time to rest between two crucial games, the Marquez Lopez-coached side quickly turned their attention to the upcoming clash against their neighbours.
While the win against Uzbekistan reignited Qatar’s campaign, they still face a tough path ahead as they navigate the halfway mark of the Group A stage. With seven points from five matches and as many games remaining, Lopez’s men trail group leaders Iran by six points and sit three points behind Uzbekistan. Qatar also lag behind the UAE on goal difference, while staying just ahead of Kyrgyzstan (3 points) and North Korea (2 points).
The top two teams in the group will secure the automatic berths for the World Cup. Lucas Mendes, who scored a last-minute winner against Uzbekistan – his first goal for Qatar – following Almoez Ali’s brace, expressed determination to keep the team’s World Cup ambitions alive. Mendes emphasised the team’s resolve to qualify for the tournament after debuting as hosts in 2022.
“We always say we want to fight to the end and believe in ourselves until the final moment,” Mendes told FIFA.com. “Now, we just have to keep collec.
