Let’s dive into the exciting results from FIFA Asian qualifiers 2026 opening round.
There were surprises, dominant victories, and intense matches.
Historic Win for the UAE Over Qatar (3-1) in FIFA Asian Qualifiers
In a highly anticipated clash, the UAE secured a significant victory against Qatar.
Despite Qatar taking the lead through Ibrahim Al Hassan in the 38th minute, the UAE turned the tables in the second half.
Harib Abdulla, Khaled Al Dhanhani, and Ali Saleh scored to seal a memorable 3-1 win. With this result, the UAE tops their group with three points.
Iraq Edges Oman (1-0)
Iraq clinched a hard-fought victory against Oman, with Ayman Hussein scoring the decisive goal in the 13th minute.
Despite Oman’s continuous efforts to equalize, Iraq held on to secure their first three points in the group.
Saudi Arabia and Indonesia Play to a Thrilling Draw (1-1)
At the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Saudi Arabia faced a tough challenge from Indonesia.
Indonesia took the lead in the 19th minute, but Musab Al Jowhar equalized for Saudi Arabia just before halftime (45th minute).
Despite Saudi Arabia’s second-half efforts, including a missed penalty by Salem Al Dawsari, the match ended in a draw.
Bahrain Stuns Australia with a Late Goal (1-0)
In another exciting encounter, Bahrain secured a crucial victory over Australia.
The only goal of the match came in the 89th minute due to an error by Harry Souttar.
Bahrain’s win earned them three valuable points in Group 3.
Palestine Holds South Korea to a Goalless Draw
In a tough battle at Seoul World Cup Stadium, Palestine’s strong defensive performance frustrated South Korea.
Despite South Korea’s attempts, they couldn’t break through, and the match ended in a valuable goalless draw for Palestine.
Jordan and Kuwait Share Points (1-1)
Jordan-Kuwait match was intense, with Musa Al Taamari giving Jordan the lead in the 14th minute.
However, Kuwait secured a late equalizer through Youssef Nasser Al Salman’s penalty in the 92nd minute.
Both teams earned their first point in FIFA Asian Qualifiers.
Japan Dominates China with a 7-0 Victory
Japan delivered the most impressive result of the round, thrashing China 7-0 in a match held at Saitama Stadium.
Goals from Wataru Endo, Takumi Minamino, and Junya Ito propelled Japan to the top of Group 3 on goal difference.
Current Group Standings After the First Round of FIFA Asian Qualifiers:
Group 1:
UAE: 3 points / Iran: 3 points / Uzbekistan: 3 points.
North Korea: 0 points / Kyrgyzstan: 0 points / Qatar: 0 points.
Group 2:
Iraq: 3 points / Jordan: 1 point / Kuwait: 1 point.
South Korea: 1 point / Palestine: 1 point / Oman: 0 points.
His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, visited the Abu Dhabi Sports Council pavilion at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2024. pic.twitter.com/qnbYvxAH2i
— UAE Voice (@uae_voiceeng) September 2, 2024
Group 3:
Japan: 3 points / Bahrain: 3 points / Saudi Arabia: 1 point.
Indonesia: 1 point / Australia: 0 points / China: 0 points.
Exciting times ahead as FIFA Asian Qualifiers 2026 continue !
