Cheima Moufdil
Doha – Qatar’s journey in the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup hit a frustrating note on Wednesday as the home side was held to a 0-0 draw against Oman. Despite dominating possession and creating several opportunities, Qatar was unable to find the breakthrough, leaving fans expressing disappointment but remaining hopeful ahead of their high-stakes match against the United Arab Emirates.
The goalless result comes after the UAE produced a stunning 2-1 comeback victory over Oman in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers. The Emiratis, who had been trailing in the first half, turned the match around in the closing minutes to secure a crucial win. Goals from Marcus Meloni and Caio sealed the three points, leaving UAE just one result away from direct qualification to the World Cup.
With Qatar’s next fixture scheduled against the UAE on Tuesday, October 14 at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, the stakes could not be higher. A win for Qatar would guarantee direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup, while a draw would mean the team faces a playoff against either Saudi Arabia or Iraq.
Fans in Doha expressed a mix of frustration and cautious optimism following the Oman draw. While the team’s inability to score against the visiting side raised concerns, the upcoming clash with UAE offers a chance to redeem themselves and take a giant step toward securing their place on football’s biggest stage.
The question now looms: where does this leave Qatar’s national team, and what will be their fate in the race for FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification? The pressure is mounting, and the team’s performance on Tuesday could define their path forward in this critical campaign.