World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Qatar loses 0-3 to Uzbekistan
Qatar’s national team ended their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 3-0 loss to Uzbekistan in their final Group A match at Bunyodkor Stadium in Tashkent. The Maroons, already eliminated from direct qualification, finished fourth in the group with 13 points, while Uzbekistan (21 points) and Iran (23 points) secured their places in the upcoming World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
The match saw a dominant Uzbek side take control early, with Azizbek Turgunboev opening the scoring in the 28th minute. Eldor Shomurodov doubled the lead in the 86th minute, and Igor Sergeev sealed the victory in stoppage time (90+2). Despite a few half-chances, Qatar struggled to break through Uzbekistan’s defense, with Amro Seraj missing their best opportunity in the 9th minute.
Qatar’s coach, Julen Lopetegui, made several substitutions in the second half—including Edmilson and Mohammed Muntari—but the team failed to mount a comeback. Uzbekistan, backed by a spirited home crowd including President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, celebrated their historic World Cup qualification.
In other Group 1 results, Iran defeated North Korea 3-0, while Kyrgyzstan and the UAE drew 1-1. Qatar will now shift focus to the playoffs round qualifiers alongside the UAE, aiming to secure one of Asia’s remaining World Cup spots.
