Qatar’s hopes of direct qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a major blow after a stunning 3-1 defeat to Kyrgyzstan in Group A of the Asian qualifiers on Tuesday.
Kyrgyzstan Stuns Qatar in Dramatic Comeback
Hosts Kyrgyzstan delivered a stunning performance, handing Qatar a devastating loss that leaves the 2022 World Cup hosts in fourth place with 10 points, now trailing behind Iran (19 points), Uzbekistan (16), and the UAE (10, but ahead on goal difference).
Kyrgyzstan took an early lead just before halftime, with defender Valeri Kichin scoring in the 45+1st minute. Qatar fought back, with Ahmed Suhail equalizing in the 52nd minute, but their momentum was shattered when Lucas Mendes received a red card just three minutes later. Playing with 10 men, Qatar collapsed defensively, allowing Aleksandr Mishchenko (82’) and Alimardon Shukurov (90+3’) to seal a historic victory for Kyrgyzstan.
The result keeps Kyrgyzstan’s playoff hopes alive while leaving Qatar in a precarious position with only two matches remaining.
For Qatar, the path to automatic qualification is now nearly impossible, with matches against Iran and the UAE looming. Meanwhile, Kyrgyzstan’s surprise win has reignited their hopes for a playoff berth.
