Qatar’s lackluster start to the third round of FIFA 2026 World Cup Asian Qualifiers continued after they were held to a come-from-behind 2-2 draw by 10-man North Korea in Vientiane, Laos, on Tuesday.

The reigning Asian champions, who lost to the UAE last week, failed to capitalize on a 28th-minute red card to North Korea captain Jang Kuk Chol in the rain-affected tie. Sin Yong Nam’s side held on by the skin of their teeth to salvage a point from the tie.

With just a single point from two outings, Qatar are now fifth in the six-team Group A, just ahead of Kyrgyzstan. North Korea are in fourth place on goal difference. 

The back-to-back Asian champions, coached by Marquez Lopez, are keen to finish among the top two and directly qualify for the 2026 World Cup, but they will have to fight harder than ever for it now.

North Korea took the lead in the 19th minute through a spectacular strike from outside the box by Ri Il-Song. Qatari star striker Akram Afif, who Jang Kuk Chol brought down, equalised from the spot in the 31st. Chol was also given marching orders for the foul.

It was then Almoez Ali’s turn to shine when he fired the ball to the top right corner of the net, from outside the box, to put Qatar ahead a minute from half-time.

North Korea leveled the score in the 51st, with Kuk Chol Kang scoring a screamer from a set piece from around 10 yards outside the box. 

The match was suspended in 57th due to heavy rain. Though it resumed 20 minutes later, there were to be no more goals on the day.

Like against the UAE, Qatar dominated the game with more ball possession. They also took two dozen shots, with six strikes on target. 

“We began the game with an attacking approach as our goal was to collect three points. We dominated the match and were close to achieving our goal, but the stoppage due to rain changed the course of the match. This is a draw which tastes like a defeat,” Lopez said after the game. 

“It’s true we were playing against a depleted side, but the pouring rain made it difficult for us to keep up the pace. It was tough passing the ball accurately, especially against a defensive formation,” he added.

The Asian champions will now host Kyrgyzstan at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium on October 10, five days before travelling to Tehran for a clash against Iran. 

“It’s right that we’ve just one point, but we’ve eight matches left in which we’ll do our best to achieve wins and earn the World Cup qualification,” said Lopez. 

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan and Iran claimed their second straight wins to lead Group A. While Uzbekistan edged Kyrgyzstan 3-2 in Bishkek, Iran defeated UAE 1-0 in Al Ain.

In Group B, Jordan defeated Palestine 3-1 while South Korea overcame Oman by a similar margin. Iraq and Kuwait played out a goalless draw.

In Group C, Japan steamrollered Bahrain 5-0 while Saudi Arabia got the better of China 2-1. Australia were held to a goalless draw by Indonesia.

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