Qatar to the World Cup…and the UAE Whites’ chances are “getting more difficult” (video)

The UAE national team lost to its Qatari counterpart 1-2, today, Tuesday, at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, and lost the opportunity to qualify directly to the 2026 World Cup finals, while Al-Anabi reserved its place in the World Cup for the second time in its history.

Despite the loss, “Al-Abyad” has an additional opportunity through the Asian-World Playoff to continue searching for the hope of ascending to the World Cup, which was delayed 35 years since the first qualification in the “Italy 1990” World Cup.

The UAE national team trailed by two goals in the second half, through Khoukhi Allam in the 48th minute, and Pedro Miguel (74), while the goal to reduce the difference came from Sultan Adel (90 + 8).

The match witnessed “Al-Abyad” wasting many dangerous opportunities despite the Qatari team playing with 10 players for more than 10 minutes, after its player, Tariq Salman, was sent off with a direct red card after Uzbek referee Ilger Tanchav returned to the VAR.

First half

– The whistle blows for Uzbek international referee Ilger Tanchav.

– The first serious attack by the Qatari team was launched by Akram Afif from the left area, with goalkeeper Khaled Issa waiting.

– The UAE national team, led by coach Olario Cosmin, plays with a defensive-offensive balance.

– A strong shot fired by UAE player Nicolas Jimenez from outside the area was blocked by Qatari goalkeeper Mahmoud Abundi.

– An Emirati golden opportunity with a charming cross from Ali Saleh, which Pimenta headed home, but the ball passed just past the post in the 16th minute.

– After 20 minutes, the UAE’s possession of the ball reached 60%, compared to 40% for Qatar.

– A long-range shot from Akram Afif passed next to the left post of goalkeeper Khaled Issa (24).

– A dangerous header by Qatari player Mohamed Manai found its way next to the post (31).

The balls were trapped in the middle of the field, and both teams were very cautious for fear of scoring a goal.

– The first half ends in a goalless draw.

The second half

– Qatar advances with the first goal with Khoukhi Boualem’s header, benefiting from a set piece that reached it from Akram Afif (48).

See the goal
Our national team leads 1-0 UAE… Boualem, minute 49 #Qatar_Emirates #Our_audience_is_the_source_of_our_strength#Our_Journey_to2026#WorldCupQualifiers2026#Cass_channels || #Show_platform pic.twitter.com/YH4PhS7CPj

– Al Kass Channels (@AlkassTVSports) October 14, 2025

– Cosmin makes a substitution by bringing on Luan Pereira in place of Alaa Zuhair.

Pimenta shoots a strong ball from inside the area, but the Qatari defense clears it (59).

– A new substitution made by Cosmin by bringing in Eric de Menezes, Hareb Abdullah and Sultan Adel in place of Caio Canedo, Ali Saleh and Robin Philippe (69).

– The UAE continues to search for the equalizer by controlling the central area and exploiting the Qatari retreat into the back areas.

The UAE national team benefited from tactical adjustments and threatened Qatar’s goal with a Sultan Adel header that went past the post.

– The Qatari team strengthens its lead with the same scenario for the first goal: a free-kick executed by Akram Afif that reached Pedro Miguel’s head behind goalkeeper Khaled Issa and found its way into the net (74).

See the goal
Our national team leads the UAE 2-0. Pedro, minute 74 #Qatar_Emirates #Our_audience_is_the_source_of_our_strength#Our_Journey_to2026#WorldCupQualifiers2026#Cass_channels || #Show_platform pic.twitter.com/VcjyGHtaPN

– Al Kass Channels (@AlkassTVSports) October 14, 2025

– An Emirati attempt from a header was missed by substitute Sultan Adel, but it passed near the post.

– After returning to the video technology (VAR), the Uzbek referee Tanchav shows a red card to the Qatar player Tariq Salman for recklessly rushing towards the Emirates player Eric (87).

– The referee calculates 15 minutes of extra time for the match.

The most dangerous opportunity for the Emirates came from a strong shot by Sultan Adel, which was miraculously blocked by Qatari goalkeeper Mahmoud Abundi (90+7).

Sultan Adel translates UAE pressure into a goal…and reduces the score to 1-2 with a shot from inside the area that he received from fifth substitute Fabio Lima (90+8).

See the goal
The UAE national team reduced the score to 1-2 against our national team. Sultan Al Amiri, minute 90+8. #Qatar_Emirates #Our_audience_is_the_source_of_our_strength#Our_Journey_to2026#WorldCupQualifiers2026#Cass_channels || #Show_platform pic.twitter.com/aqTa8ZxZDg

– Al Kass Channels (@AlkassTVSports) October 14, 2025

The match ended in favor of Qatar 2-1.

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Official lineup

The UAE:

Qatar: