The United Arab Emirates came back from behind to beat Oman 2–1 and take control of Group A in the Fourth Round of Asia’s World Cup qualifiers.
Hosts Qatar must now win their final group match against the UAE on Tuesday to secure the group’s direct berth at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. For the visitors, a draw will be enough to seal their first World Cup appearance since 1990.
Cosmin Olaroiu’s side went into halftime trailing after an early own goal from Kouame Kouadio. Marcus Meloni headed in Ali Saleh’s cross to level the score in the 76th minute, before Caio Lucas netted the winner seven minutes from time with a curled cross that found its way past goalkeeper Ibrahim Al Mukhaini.