UAE draw Qatar in high-stakes World Cup qualifier

The United Arab Emirates are set to face reigning Asian champions Qatar in a pivotal clash as part of the fourth phase of Asia’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers, following Thursday’s group stage draw.

Grouped alongside Qatar and Oman in Group B, the UAE will play Oman on October 11 before a high-profile encounter with Qatar on October 14, in a match that’s expected to reignite regional football rivalry and test the UAE’s World Cup ambitions.

Qatar, hosts of the 2022 World Cup but yet to qualify for a tournament outside their own soil, will kick off their campaign against Oman on October 8.

In Group A, Saudi Arabia - eyeing their seventh World Cup appearance since 1994 - will host and open against Indonesia on October 8. Iraq then meet Indonesia on October 11, before facing the Saudis in the group decider on October 14.

Only the winners of each group will qualify for the 2026 World Cup, joining Australia, Japan, South Korea, Iran, Uzbekistan, and Jordan at the expanded 48-nation tournament in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.