Qatar and Oman in Goalless Draw, Bolstering UAE's Hopes

Qatar and Oman played to a goalless draw in their opening match of the Asian World Cup playoff, handing the UAE a major advantage in their bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The result leaves both teams with just one point each, setting up a crucial opportunity for the UAE when they face Oman this Saturday.

The match at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha was the first game in the Asian playoff round that determines which teams advance to the 2026 World Cup finals. With Qatar and Oman splitting points, the UAE now has a clear path to take control of Group 1.

Here's how the math works: if the UAE beats Oman on Saturday, they'll sit at the top of the three-team group heading into their final match against Qatar on March 14. The winner of this mini-tournament gets a direct ticket to the World Cup. The runner-up still has a chance through another playoff round, but that's a much harder path.

Qatar came out strong in front of a packed crowd, creating the best chances of the first half. Boualem Khoukhi nearly opened the scoring early with a rocket shot that barely missed the right post. Midfielder Isam Al-Sabahi also tested Oman's goalkeeper Mahmoud Abundi with a powerful strike from outside the box.

The second half brought more drama. Qatar's star player Akram Afif almost broke the deadlock with a skillful run through Oman's defense, but his low shot also went wide of the post. Both teams had their moments, but neither could find the breakthrough.

For the UAE, this stalemate couldn't have worked out better. They're entering the playoff as the fresher team, having watched their competitors battle it out first. The pressure is now on Oman, who know they likely need to beat the UAE to keep their World Cup dreams alive.

The Asian playoff system gives these three Gulf nations one guaranteed World Cup spot, with a potential second chance for the runner-up through additional qualifying rounds. With expanded spots available for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the stakes remain high for all three teams.

Saturday's UAE-Oman match will essentially determine who controls their own destiny heading into the final round of games.