Stage set for thrilling clash as Qatar take on Kyrgyzstan

The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as hosts Qatar and Kyrgyzstan face off in a pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match at Al Thumama Stadium on Thursday. Both teams will be eager to secure a victory in what is essentially a tough group.
Qatar, the reigning Asian champions and coached by Marquez Lopez, will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage and gain a winning momentum before they head to Iran for their next match on Oct 15.
The hosts have a formidable squad, boasting a blend of experienced strikers - Akram Afif and Almoez Ali - and promising young talent. Their attacking prowess, coupled with a solid defence thanks to the recall of experienced Abdelkarim Hassan, has made them a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
Kyrgyzstan, on the other hand, have shown significant improvement in recent years and will be determined to prove their worth against the defending champions.
The match is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams possessing the ability to score goals. Qatar’s home support could be a decisive factor, but Kyrgyzstan’s resilience and fighting spirit should not be underestimated. Ultimately, the outcome of this clash will likely hinge on which team can execute their game plan more effectively and capitalize on their scoring opportunities.
Former Qatar national team player Rodrigo Tabata on Tuesday said in a TV interview: “We didn’t start well in this phase. Those were tough games (against the UAE and DPR Korea) but I trust the national team players to fight for points in the coming two matches. I wish them the best for the next game. I hope they win the next two games later this week and get the points. The Qatari players have proven to us that they have quality.
“All of us need to support the Qatar national team. Good players are there to help the team win. I am confident of that,” the 43-year-old veteran - who still plays active football for QSL side Al Rayyan - added.

New men in charge
In other matches across the Asian continent, Australia and Oman will start a new chapter following the appointments of Tony Popovic and Rashid Jaber as head coaches respectively. Popovic takes over from Graham Arnold, who stepped down after an underwhelming start which saw Australia only garner one point from their opening two matches, while Jaber - who replaced Jaroslav Silhavy - has to steady an Oman side who suffered two defeats.
It will be a steep learning curve for both with Australia hosting China PR while Oman will welcome Kuwait - two teams also in need of wins to revive their campaigns.

Can South Korea cope without Son?
A hamstring injury means Son Heung-min will be absent for the next two matchdays, which comes as a blow to a South Korea side who face a tough challenge against Jordan on Thursday. The West Asian side stunned South Korea in the semi-finals of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 and will relish the chance of beating the East Asians again. They will be even more optimistic of their chances now that talisman Son will be absent.

Test of Japan’s credentials
Japan were at their best on the opening two matchdays, plundering a total 12 goals against China and Bahrain without conceding. Up next, however, are Saudi Arabia in Jeddah with Australia to follow five days later in Saitama. Should Japan overcome both, a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be theirs to lose after only four matchdays.

Uzbekistan daring to dream
Having never qualified for the FIFA World Cup Finals, Uzbekistan have enjoyed a dream start to their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 campaign with two wins. They face Islamic Republic of Iran in a top-of-the-table clash on Thursday and a win will have the Central Asian side believing that they can go on to book their tickets to the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Indonesia out for more
Shin Tae-yong’s Indonesia were the only debutant side not to have suffered defeat in the opening two matchdays and the Southeast Asian side will be relishing their upcoming games. With two points in the bag, Indonesia will travel to Bahrain on Thursday targeting a win, with China to come five days later. Should they get six points, Indonesia will start to believe that finishing top two in the standings - which would mean automatic FIFA World Cup qualification - is within reach.