The UAE launched their 2026 FIFA World Cup third round qualifying campaign with a remarkable come-from-behind 3-1 victory over Qatar in Doha on Thursday. Despite being down 1-0 at halftime, the UAE rallied with three late goals in the second half to shock the two-time Asian champions. The UAE will aim to capitalize on this win when they face Iran in Group A at Al Ain on Tuesday, while Qatar seeks to recover against DPR Korea. The top two teams in the group will secure direct spots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the third and fourth-placed teams advancing to the fourth round of Asian qualifiers. The UAE has not qualified for the World Cup since their debut in 1990. On Thursday, the match began with a scrappy start as both teams took time to settle at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. Qatar's first significant attack came in the 15th minute, requiring a late interception by Khalifa Al Hammadi to prevent Akram Afif from scoring. Afif then delivered a superb cross to Jassem Gaber, whose close-range header went over the bar. Qatar increased the pressure and took the lead in the 38th minute when Afif set up 18-year-old Ibrahim Al Hassan, who beat Yahia Nader and fired an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner. The opening 15 minutes of the second half saw both teams canceling each other out, with neither goalkeeper, Qatar’s Meshaal Barsham nor UAE’s Khalid Eisa, being tested. Just after the hour mark, UAE nearly scored when Abdulla Hamad’s powerful shot from the edge of the box hit the side netting, serving as a warning to the hosts. Gaining confidence, UAE equalized in the 68th minute when Harib Abdalla was given space in the box to cut inside and unleash a powerful shot past Barsham. The turnaround was sealed for UAE in the 80th minute when full-back Khaled Aldhanhani intercepted a pass, surged forward to receive Harib’s return, and then fired a shot into the top corner. Late drama ensued when referee Shaun Evans awarded a penalty for a handball by Nader, but after a VAR review, the decision was reversed, extinguishing Qatar’s chance to salvage the game. UAE added a third goal in stoppage time through substitute Ali Saleh, capitalizing on a defensive error to strike the ball into the roof of the net, securing the win for the Emiratis.