Doha: Qatar and Oman played out a goalless draw on Tuesday in their opening Group A match of the Asian play-off qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha.

According to Qatar News Agency, despite a dominant start from the hosts, who enjoyed early possession and created several promising chances, the Qatari side failed to convert pressure into goals against a resilient Omani defense.

Qatar’s first real opportunity came in the 7th minute when Boualem Khoukhi’s free kick flew just over the crossbar. He followed up with another long-range effort minutes later that narrowly missed the target.

The home side continued to push forward, with Akram Afif and Ahmed Al Janahi both testing Omani goalkeeper Ibrahim Al Mukhaini, but the breakthrough remained elusive.

Oman gradually grew into the game towards the end of the first half. Isam Al Sabhi forced a save from Qatar keeper Mahmoud Abunada in the 28th minute, and came close again with a header in the 40th minute. Akram Afif had the final chance of the half, firing over the bar from inside the box in stoppage time.

The second half saw Qatar start strongly again. Afif missed what was arguably the best chance of the match in the 49th minute, dribbling past several defenders only to send his shot wide with just the goalkeeper to beat.

Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui introduced striker Almoez Ali and midfielder Abdulaziz Hatem in an effort to increase attacking momentum, but was forced to withdraw Khoukhi due to injury in the 56th minute.

Oman threatened on the counter, almost capitalizing on a goalkeeping error by Abunada in the 69th minute, but Abdullah Fawaz failed to hit the target.

Qatar continued to apply late pressure, with Pedro Miguel and substitute Mohammed Muntari both missing opportunities to seal the win. Muntari’s best chance came in stoppage time, but his weak effort was easily collected by the Omani keeper.

Both teams settle for a point to begin their play-off campaign, with Group A also featuring the UAE. All matches are being held in Doha in a single-round group format.

Oman face the UAE in the second round of matches on October 11, while Qatar meet the UAE in the group finale on October 14.

The group winner will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The runner-up will enter a two-legged inter-group play-off against the second-placed team from Group B, which features Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Indonesia, for a place in the intercontinental play-off.