Qatar Secures Dominant Win Against Kyrgyzstan in FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. Doha, Qatar – In a thrilling encounter at Al Thumama Stadium, Qatar emerged victorious in their third-round match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian Qualifiers, defeating Kyrgyzstan 3-1.
The game, held on October 10, 2024, showcased Qatar’s attacking prowess, with standout performances from Almoez Ali, who scored a goal and provided an assist, and Ibrahim Al Hassan, whose goal sealed the win in front of an energetic crowd of 25,195 spectators.
The win marks Qatar’s first victory in the third round of qualifiers, lifting Marquez Lopez’s side to fourth place in Group A with four points, while Uzbekistan leads the group. The result not only boosts Qatar’s chances of progressing but also sets the stage for an intense clash against Iran in their next qualifier.
Almoez Ali Shines in Qatar’s Victory
Almoez Ali, Qatar’s dynamic forward, was the driving force behind Qatar’s success. He opened the scoring in the 39th minute, capitalizing on a chaotic sequence of events following a corner kick. Edmilson Junior‘s deflected shot and Abdulrahman Fahmi Moustafa‘s header hitting the post led to Almoez pouncing on the loose ball, giving Qatar a deserved 1-0 lead.
The Qatari side maintained pressure throughout the match, with Akram Afif and Edmilson Junior playing key roles in Qatar’s attacking efforts. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, it wasn’t until the 63rd minute that Qatar extended their lead. A dangerous cross from Afif forced Kyrgyzstan’s Tamirlan Kozubaev into an own goal, doubling Qatar’s advantage.
While Kyrgyzstan fought back with a stunning 76th-minute strike from Alimardon Shukurov, reducing the deficit to 2-1, Qatar swiftly regained control. Just five minutes later, Ibrahim Al Hassan found the net with an assist from Almoez, restoring Qatar’s two-goal lead and sealing a comfortable 3-1 victory.
A Vital Win for Qatar’s Qualification Hopes
The victory propels Qatar up the Group A standings, placing them fourth with four points. Uzbekistan and Iran lead the group with seven points each, though Uzbekistan tops the table on goal difference. The UAE remains third, level on points with Qatar but ahead due to superior goal difference, following a 1-1 draw against North Korea, who are fifth with two points. Kyrgyzstan, under the leadership of Maksim Lisitsyn, remains at the bottom after suffering their third consecutive defeat.
Qatar’s performance against Kyrgyzstan was marked by offensive dominance, with the team taking over two dozen shots on goal. However, Marquez Lopez, Qatar’s Spanish coach, expressed concern over missed opportunities. “We created many chances and converted three. I’m happy with the team’s overall performance and the three points we earned, but we need to be more clinical in front of goal,” Lopez said in a post-match statement.
Preparations for the Upcoming Iran Clash
Looking ahead, Qatar will face a tougher challenge against Iran on Tuesday. Akram Afif, a key figure in Qatar’s attack, remains optimistic, stating that Qatar’s “best is yet to come.” He added, “It was not an easy game, but we earned a well-deserved win. We are focusing solely on ourselves, and our next target is to win against Iran.”
Read Also: AFC Confirms Qatar vs Iran Match to Be Held at Neutral Venue in UAE Amid Security Concerns
The upcoming match against Iran was initially scheduled to take place in Mashhad, but due to security concerns, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), in consultation with FIFA, decided to relocate the game to a neutral venue in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The AFC issued a statement confirming the move, ensuring that the match would proceed safely. Details about the specific venue in the UAE are expected to be updated soon.
Key Moments in Qatar’s Win Against Kyrgyzstan
Qatar’s victory was the result of a high-pressing, attack-oriented strategy that kept Kyrgyzstan on the back foot throughout the match. From the outset, Qatar displayed their intent, with Boualem Khoukhi coming close to scoring from a free-kick early in the game, only to be denied by Kyrgyzstan goalkeeper Erzhan Tokotayev.
Qatar’s relentless pressure eventually paid off when Almoez Ali broke the deadlock in the 39th minute. After the interval, Qatar resumed with the same intensity, with Edmilson Junior and Akram Afif testing the Kyrgyz defense with powerful strikes and well-placed set-pieces. Despite several missed opportunities, including a one-on-one chance for Afif, Qatar doubled their lead through an own goal by Kozubaev in the 63rd minute.
Kyrgyzstan briefly threatened a comeback with Alimardon Shukurov’s long-range goal, but Ibrahim Al Hassan’s composed finish in the 81st minute ended any hopes of a Kyrgyz revival. Assisted by Almoez Ali, Ibrahim’s goal highlighted Qatar’s clinical ability to respond under pressure.
Qatar’s Path Forward in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
With the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers heating up, Qatar’s victory over Kyrgyzstan serves as a crucial step in their campaign. The team’s aggressive style of play and the attacking partnership between Almoez Ali and Akram Afif are positive signs as they prepare for tougher opponents like Iran. Qatar will need to capitalize on their momentum to climb further up the standings and secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
The return of veteran players such as Abdelkarim Hassan and Boualem Khoukhi has bolstered Qatar’s defensive and midfield capabilities, adding experience and stability to the squad. Their leadership will be vital as Qatar navigates the remaining matches in the qualifying campaign.
Conclusion
Qatar’s 3-1 victory against Kyrgyzstan not only secured their first win in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian Qualifiers, but it also demonstrated their attacking potential and resilience. The standout performances by Almoez Ali, who contributed both a goal and an assist, and Ibrahim Al Hassan, who sealed the win, provide a solid foundation for the team moving forward.
As Qatar prepares to face Iran in their next qualifier, the team’s focus will be on maintaining their attacking momentum while improving their accuracy in front of goal. With the added challenge of playing at a neutral venue in the UAE, Qatar will be looking to build on their recent success and take another step closer to World Cup 2026 qualification.