Doha: Qatar and Saudi Arabia have officially qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 through the Asian qualifiers. Qatar sealed their spot with a victory over the United Arab Emirates (2–1), while Saudi Arabia held Iraq to a goalless draw to ensure progression.

Boualem Khoukhi (49') and Pedro Miguel (74') found the net for Qatar, while Sultan Adil Al Amiri (90+8') scored a late consolation for the UAE. Qatar now top Group A with four points from two matches. In Group B, both Saudi Arabia and Iraq have four points from two games, but Saudi Arabia lead the group on goal difference.

Significantly, this marks the first time Qatar — who hosted the previous World Cup — have qualified through the standard qualification process. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, have secured their place for a record seventh time.

Japan, South Korea, Australia, Uzbekistan, and Jordan have also directly qualified from the Asian region.

Malayali Presence in Qatar's World Cup Squad

A proud moment for Indian football came as Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid, a Malayali footballer, was named in Qatar’s World Cup squad. Though the 19-year-old left winger did not feature in the match against the UAE, his inclusion marks a rare achievement.

Tahsin, son of Jamshid and Shaima from Thalassery, was born and raised in Qatar after the family relocated. He previously played for Qatar’s U-17 and U-19 teams and even scored for the U-17 side. Notably, he is the first Indian-origin player to feature in Qatar’s top league, having represented Al Duhail Club.

Notably, Tahsin’s father was a former player of the Calicut University.

Tahsini made his senior national debut during the early qualification round against Afghanistan and was in the squad against India, although he didn’t get match time. After a brief absence, he returned to the squad for Qatar’s last two qualifiers.

Senegal, South Africa, Ivory Coast Qualify from Africa

Johannesburg: From the African continent, Senegal, South Africa, and Ivory Coast have booked their places in the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

Senegal secured qualification with a commanding 4–0 win over Mauritania, powered by a brace from star forward Sadio Mané (45+1', 48'). They topped Group B with 24 points from 10 matches.

Ivory Coast defeated Kenya 3–0 to seal their qualification, finishing Group F with 26 points from 10 games.

South Africa, meanwhile, overcame Rwanda 3–0 in a must-win encounter. Goals from Thalente Mbatha (5'), Oswin Appollis (26'), and Evidence Makgopa (72') confirmed their place at the top of Group C with 18 points.

The qualification rounds continue to shape up the global stage for the next edition of the World Cup, with several nations already making history and others on the cusp of glory.