World Cup Qualifiers: Qatar, North Korea share points after thrilling draw in Vientiane  

Doha, Qatar: Asian champions Qatar and 10 man North Korea shared spoils after playing out a thrilling 2 2 draw in their FIFA World Cup qualifying tie...

Doha, Qatar: Asian champions Qatar and 10-man North Korea shared spoils after playing out a thrilling 2-2 draw in their FIFA World Cup qualifying tie in rain-soaked Vientiane, Laos on Tuesday.    

The draw marked first points for both the teams in Group A of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian Qualifiers third round after they lost their respective opening matches last week. 

At the New Laos National Stadium, North Korea took the lead with a fabulous Ri II-song shot from outside the box in the 19th minute. 

Akram Afif equalised the scores with a spot kick in 31st minute after he was brought down by Jang Kuk-Chol resulting in the marching orders for the North Korea captain. 

Almoez Ali put Qatar ahead with a brilliant hit from outside the box in 44th minute but the depleted North Koreans leveled scores through Kuk-Chol Kanga, six minutes into second half before heavy rain halted the play.