World Cup Qualifying - Asia | Third Round

Nov 14, 2024 at 12am UK

Khalifa International Stadium

Qatarvs.Uzbekistan

Match preview

Qatar had high hopes of automatically qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by finishing in the top two in Group A of the AFC qualifying campaign, but after four games they are struggling in fourth place with just four points from a win, a draw and two defeats.

Tintin Marquez will be disappointed with his side's performances as they went into the third round of AFC World Cup qualifying on an 11-match unbeaten run, including winning all seven of their matches on their way to the 2023 Asian Cup, where they beat Jordan 3-1 in the final.

They opened their Group A campaign with a 3-1 loss to the United Arab Emirates, squandering a 1-0 lead when they conceded three second-half goals despite dominating possession, followed by an underwhelming 2-2 draw with North Korea.

They bounced back with a first win over Kyrgyzstan in the last international break, but Qatar were beaten again last time out as Iran came from 1-0 down to claim a comfortable 4-1 victory.

Now looking for a much-needed win to close the gap on the top two, with Uzbekistan second and six points clear of the hosts, Qatar must beat a team they have only beaten twice in their last six home encounters.

Uzbekistan, meanwhile, have made a fantastic start to their quest to reach the World Cup for the first time and make their debut in the world's most prestigious tournament.

They went into the third round of qualifying having lost just one of their last 15 matches, a 3-2 penalty shootout defeat to Qatar following a 1-1 draw in the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup 2023.

Srecko Katanec, who took over in August 2021, led them to a 1-0 win over North Korea in their opening group game, followed by wins over Kyrgyzstan and the United Arab Emirates and a 0-0 draw with Iran.

The results left them level on 10 points with Group A leaders Iran, but second on goal difference and six points clear of the UAE and Qatar, who are in second and third respectively.

Recent Performance

Qatar World Cup Qualifying - Asia form:DWLDWL

Uzbekistan World Cup Qualifying - Asia form:WDWWDW

Team News

Akram Afif and Almoez Ali have scored four of Qatar's seven goals in their four Group A matches so far, and both are likely to start in attack against Uzbekistan.

Elsewhere, Marquez could make a number of changes from the side that was thrashed 4-1 by Iran in their last outing in October, with changes likely in defence.

As for Uzbekistan, after three wins and a draw from their opening three group games, Katanec may decide to name a similar side to face Qatar.

Captain Eldor Shomurodov has scored just once in the four qualifiers so far, and the Roma striker will be looking to add to his tally with an expected start.

Possible starting lineup

Qatar possible starting lineup:

Barsham; Mohammed, Khoukhi, Mendes, Hassan; Moustafa, Hatem, Fathy, Junior; Afif; Ali

Uzbekistan possible starting lineup:

Yusupov; Alikulov, Khusanov, Abdullaev; Turgunboev, Khamrobekov, Shukurov, Nasrullaev; Fayzullaev, Masharipov; Shomurodov