Qatar's Ahmed Al Rawi (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the match against India on Tuesday.
Doha, Qatar: Qatar are just one fine run away from qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in history after making their debut in the FIFA showpiece as hosts two years ago.
The Marquez Lopez’s men, who lifted the Asian Cup trophy for the second consecutive time earlier this year, were phenomenal in the second round of Asian Cup 2027 and FIFA World Cup 2026 joint qualifiers topping Group A after five wins and a draw. They had already advanced to the qualifiers after four straight wins in the group, also confirming their place in the next Asian Cup.
Al Annabi wrapped up the second round with 2-1 comeback victory over India at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Tuesday getting praise from Lopez, who was delighted over team’s unbeaten run in the stage.
“I am proud of team’s performance and I thank my players for their all-out efforts,” the Qatar coach had said after the win.
“We have cleared the first hurdle and now we will wait for the draw and see what it has in the store for us. But, first we will have a break and rest, and I am looking forward to it,” Lopez added.
The Spanish coach tested many youngsters for Qatar’s last two games in the qualifiers, and he was satisfied with their performance in the two matches. He rested the senior players including the attacking duo of Akram Afif and Almoez Ali.
“Every player is important to us but at this time I am not thinking about it,” he responded when asked about his team selection for the third round.
The cast for the third round of Asia’s qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026 was finalised on Tuesday following the final Match Day in the second round, with 18 nations advancing to the decisive stage.
These teams, vying for eight confirmed spots for the 2026 World Cup, will be divided into three groups following a draw that will take place in Kuala Lumpur on June 27, Besides, an Asian side can also book one additional berth through a play-off.
Meanwhile, Kuwait finished runners-up becoming the second side from Group A to advance after a 1-0 victory over Afghanistan at home on Tuesday. They failed to reach the third round of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
“For a year and a half, we have been preparing for this moment, but now we have finished this stage, and we must prepare for the next stage,” said Kuwait’s Eid Al Rashedi.
“It is a more difficult challenge and we must become stronger in order to continue making our fans happy.”
Indonesia, Kyrgyz Republic and Palestine will feature in the third round of qualifiers for the first time after their impressive campaigns in the second round of Asian Qualifiers.
FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers
Teams entering third round
1. Qatar
2. Kuwait
3. Japan
4. DPR Korea
5. South Korea
6. China
7. Oman
8. Kyrgyzstan
9. Iran
10. Uzbekistan
11. Iraq
12. Indonesia
13. Jordan
14. Saudi Arabia
15. United Arab Emirates
16. Bahrain
17. Australia
18. Palestine
