DOHA (AP) — The United Arab Emirates defeated Oman 2-1 on Saturday in the fourth round of Asian qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, but needed a draw with host Qatar on Tuesday to reach its first final since 1990.
The loss ended Oman’s chances of winning the three-team Group A and earning automatic qualification to the first-ever World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. However, the team can still finish in second place and advance to the fifth round.
Oman, who drew 0-0 with Qatar at Doha’s Jassim bin Hamad Stadium on Wednesday, took the lead in the 12th minute when Amjad Al Khalti’s shot was deflected by defender Kuame Orton.
Oman’s defense, which held on for much of the match, was finally broken in the 76th minute when Marcus Meloni headed home Ali Saleh’s cross at the far post. Seven minutes later, Caio Lucas delivered a cross from the left that was evaded by everyone and gave the UAE the lead, much to the delight of the 5,000 fans on the road.
In Group B, Iraq defeated Indonesia 1-0 to move level on points with Saudi Arabia heading into Tuesday’s encounter.
Former Manchester United youth player Zidan Iqbal scored the only goal in the 76th minute with a low shot from the edge of the area.
Iraq needs to defeat group leaders Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Tuesday to qualify for their first World Cup since 1986. That’s because the hosts beat Indonesia 3-2 on Wednesday and have scored more goals.
Two losses means Indonesia will not qualify.
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