Qatar and Saudi Arabia qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026

Qatar and Saudi Arabia secured places at next year’s World Cup on Tuesday after topping the two groups in the fourth round of Asian qualifying.

Qatar edged United Arab Emirates 2-1 in Doha and Saudi Arabia drew 0-0 with Iraq in Jeddah to become the seventh and eighth teams to qualify from Asia for the expanded 48-team World Cup.

The Qataris and Saudis had home advantage in the fourth stage.

It marks the



first time that Qatar, which lost all three group-stage games when it hosted the 2022 tournament, has advanced through qualification. Saudi Arabia, selected to host the 2034 World Cup, will appear for a seventh time next summer in the tournament being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“It’s one of the best days in my career,” Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui told the host broadcaster. “Today I think it is one big achievement we have to enjoy.”