World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Mendes last-gasp winner gives Qatar thrilling victory over Uzbekistan

Doha, Qatar: Lucas Mendes fired a last gasp winner as Qatar edged Uzbekistan 3 2 to claim a much needed victory in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Do...

Doha, Qatar: Lucas Mendes fired a last-gasp winner as Qatar edged Uzbekistan 3-2 to claim a much-needed victory in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Doha on Thursday.         Mendes sent the home fans at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium into raptures scoring the decisive goal just before the final whistle as Qatar overcame a brilliant fightback from Uzbekistan. 

Almoez Ali gave Qatar a two-goal lead scoring in 25th and 41st minutes before Abbosbek Fayzullaev led Uzbekistan’s fightback late in the match. He scored in the 75th minute and 80th minute to draw level before Mendes sealed the win for the two-time Asian champions.

Qatar moved to seven points, six points behind Group A leaders Iran and three behind Uzbekistan following the victory. 

They are leveled with the UAE on points but behind on goal difference, sitting in fourth place above Kyrgyzstan (3 points) and North Korea (2 points). The top two teams from the group will secure automatic qualification for the World Cup.  

Qatar will now face the UAE in their next match on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi.