Qatar and Saudi Arabia have qualified for the 2026 Men’s World Cup after topping their groups in the AFC playoffs. The United Arab Emirates and Iraq will meet for a place in the interconfederation playoffs next month.

Two assists from Akram AFIF made sure of Qatar’s second trip to the Men’s World Cup, as they defeated the UAE 2-1 on TUE 14 OCT 2025 to secure first place in Group A. Despite the loss, the UAE remain alive thanks to their earlier win over Oman.

In Group B, Saudi Arabia and Iraq finished level on four points after their goalless draw to conclude group play. The Saudis, however, held the advantage on goals scored after having beaten Indonesia 3-2.

The UAE and Iraq will face off over two legs in the elimination phase in NOV 2025. The winner will move on to the interconfederation playoffs, where they will compete for one of the last two tickets to the Men’s World Cup.

• Qualified: Qatar, Saudi Arabia
• Elimination phase: UAE v Iraq
• Eliminated: Indonesia, Oman