Qatar Vs Iran

As the AFC World Cup qualifying campaign heats up, Qatar welcome group leaders Iran to the Khalifa International Stadium on Thursday night, knowing that only a win can ease their path to the next round.

Qatar, who made their World Cup debut as hosts in 2022, are now fighting to qualify the hard way—for the first time ever through the traditional route. With just two games remaining in Group A, the Maroons sit in fourth place with 10 points, needing one more win to guarantee a spot in the fourth round of qualifiers.

Under the guidance of newly appointed manager Julen Lopetegui, Qatar’s hopes of direct qualification are out of reach—they trail second-placed Uzbekistan by seven points. But the mission now is survival: finish third or fourth and keep the dream alive.

Their campaign has been a mixed bag, with three wins, one draw, and four losses. Still, they hold a four-point cushion over fifth-placed Kyrgyzstan. Lopetegui will be urging his side to secure qualification quickly, rather than leave it to the final matchday showdown against Uzbekistan.

Given their recent pedigree—Qatar are the reigning AFC Asian Cup champions after lifting the trophy in both 2019 and 2023—there’s belief in the camp that they can bounce back and make a serious push in the next stage.

If Qatar make it through, they’ll enter the fourth round, where six teams (the third- and fourth-placed finishers from each group) will be split into two mini-groups. Each team plays two matches, and the winners of those groups will book their place at the 2026 World Cup.

But to get there, the Maroons must first face a stern test—starting with the might of Iran.

Iran arrive in Doha in imperious form. With 20 points from eight matches (six wins and two draws), they’ve already sealed qualification for the next World Cup. Amir Ghalenoei’s side are unbeaten in the current qualifying campaign and haven’t lost a game across all competitions in their last 12 outings.

Even with their ticket to 2026 already stamped, Iran are unlikely to take their foot off the gas. Maintaining momentum and preserving their undefeated run will be key motivations.

There is, however, one recent blemish they haven’t forgotten: a dramatic 3-2 loss to Qatar in the semi-finals of the 2023 Asian Cup. That defeat still stings, and Iran responded emphatically by dismantling Qatar 4-1 in the reverse fixture earlier in this group.

For Qatar, Thursday’s clash is more than just a qualifier—it’s a test of nerve, resilience, and national pride. A win would not only secure progression to the next round, but also send a message that this team, under Lopetegui, is ready to challenge the continent’s elite once again.

Iran, on the other hand, come into this as the polished powerhouse, confident and clinical, but wary of an opponent that has shocked them before.

One team is fighting for survival. The other is fighting to stay perfect.

Expect drama under the lights in Doha.