The AFC Asian Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup reach a decisive moment as Qatar vs UAE in a crucial Group A playoff tie at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Al Rayyan on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
Kicking off at 6:00 p.m. UK time (1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT), this match will determine which team secures automatic qualification for the tournament, with the winner booking their spot and the loser advancing to the fifth round.
UAE enters with confidence after a 2-1 win over Oman, needing only a draw to qualify, while Qatar must win to leapfrog them.
Qatar vs UAE 2026 World Cup qualifiers is a crucial showdown in the AFC Asian Qualifiers’ fourth-round playoffs, where only a win will keep their hopes of making it to the 2026 World Cup alive. Out of 48 teams, 22 have qualified, while most of the teams have been eliminated before the October window for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Here’s a preview of the Qatar vs UAE qualifiers, including predictions, team news, lineups, how to watch the match live, and an analysis of form, stats, and key details for this high-stakes clash.
Qatar vs UAE: Preview, Predictions, Team News, and How to Watch – 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers
Table of Contents
Qatar vs UAE is a make-or-break 2026 World Cup qualifier that could send UAE to their second finals or force Qatar into the fifth round. With the UAE favored, expect tension and quality.
- Date and Time: Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT
- Venue: Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar
- TV and Streaming (UK): Not televised; stream on OneFootball
- USA: Not televised; stream on OneFootball
- Global Options: FIFA+ (select regions), or local broadcasters like Al Kass (Qatar) and Dubai Sports (UAE)
- Live Scores and Updates: FIFA.com, ESPN, or Sofascore for real-time stats and highlights
This fixture is part of the AFC’s fourth-round playoffs for the 2026 World Cup, where six teams are divided into two groups of three.
Winners of each group qualify directly, while runners-up advance to the fifth round for Asia’s final direct spot and a playoff berth. Asia has eight automatic spots plus one inter-confederation playoff slot.
Qatar, coached by Julen Lopetegui, is aiming for their second consecutive World Cup after hosting 2022. UAE, under Cosmin Olaroiu, seeks their first appearance since 1990.
Historically, the UAE has won the last three qualifier meetings, including 3-1 and 5-0 victories in the third round. Expect a tense affair at the 15,000-capacity Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, where Qatar’s home advantage could play a key role.
Current Standings in AFC Fourth-Round Group A
As of October 13, 2025 (before the final matchday), Group A standings are:
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UAE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 3 |
| 2 | Qatar | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 3 | Oman | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 1 |
UAE leads after a 2-1 win over Oman, while Qatar drew 0-0 with UAE in the opener. A draw qualifies the UAE, but a Qatar win sends them through.
Qatar vs UAE Match Preview
Qatar began the fourth round with a 0-0 draw against the UAE but must win to qualify, putting pressure on Lopetegui’s side.
They’ve lost only one of their last 15 home World Cup qualifiers (W12 D2), but recent form shows defensive solidity without prolific scoring.
UAE arrives brimming with confidence after a comeback 2-1 victory over Oman, with goals from Marcus Meloni and Caio. Unbeaten in their last six qualifiers (W4 D2), they’ve lost only three of 17 under Olaroiu. Their road form is strong, but facing Qatar’s home crowd could test their resolve.
Team News and Possible Lineups
Qatar Team News
Julen Lopetegui is likely to field a similar XI from the Oman draw, with Mohammed Alaaeldin, Jassem Gaber, and Almahdi Ali Mukhtar omitted from the squad.
Almoez Ali and captain Hassan Al-Haydos (55 and 41 international goals) push for starts, competing with Mohamed Al-Mannai and Akram Afif (39 goals). Abdulaziz Hatem hopes to partner Karim Boudiaf in midfield.
UAE Team News
Cosmin Olaroiu could name an unchanged side from the Oman win. Caio leads the attack after his first international goal, supported by Nicolas Gimenez and Fabio Lima (17 goals in 42 caps). Majed Hassan and Abdullah Ramadan anchor midfield.
Qatar vs United Arab Emirates (QAT vs UAE) Squads
| Qatar Squads Starting Lineup (4-4-2) | UAE Squad Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1) |
|---|---|
| GK: Mahmud Abunad | GK: Khalid Eisa |
| Defenders: Sultan Al-Brake; Boualem Khoukhi; Pedro Miguel; Al-Oui | Defenders: Lucas Pimenta; Kouame Autonne; Khalifa Al-Hammadi; Khaled Ebraheim |
| Midfielders: Abdulsallam; Fathy; Al-Ahrak | Midfielders: Faiz; Abdallah Ramadan; Fabio Lima; Yahya Al-Ghassani |
| Forwards / Attackers: Akram Afif; Almoez Ali; Tameem Mansour | Forwards / Attackers: Adil Sultan; Ali Saleh; Caio Lucas Fernandes |
Qatar vs UAE Prediction
UAE’s recent dominance in this fixture and confidence from the Oman win give them the edge in a high-stakes game. Qatar’s home form is strong, but UAE’s quality could secure qualification. Prediction: Qatar 1-2 UAE. The Whites qualify with a victory.
How to Watch Qatar vs UAE World Cup Qualifiers
In many territories, the match will be broadcast on beIN SPORTS, including pay-per-view in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. In the UAE, the match will be held at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Qatar.
Gulf News reports that in the UAE, fans can watch via official fan zones or large live screens in hotels, as well as in restaurants/cafes streaming the match.
