Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia: Afghanistan held a young Qatar side to a 0-0 draw in their joint qualification Round 2 Group A encounter for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 on Thursday at the Prince Abdullah Bin Jalawi Stadium in Al Hasa, Saudi Arabia. The result moved Afghanistan to five points, level with India and one ahead of Kuwait, while Qatar has already qualified for the third round. Afghanistan meets Kuwait on Tuesday, while India plays Qatar in an enticing Group A finale.     Qatar coach Marquez Lopez assembled a roster with an average age of 23, including senior, U-23, and U-19 players. Afghanistan pressed high, remained patient, and effectively blocked gaps, preventing Qatar's new look from breaking through.   Qatar’s first chance came in the 12th minute when Abdullah al-Yazidi's effort went over the bar. Afghanistan substituted Rahmat Akbari with Jamshed Asekzai in the 23rd minute due to injury. Qatar, enjoying more possession, nearly scored in the 40th minute, but Afghan defenders thwarted Ahmed Alrawi’s attempt. Afghan goalkeeper Ovays Azizi made crucial saves, including a diving stop in added time to deny Alrawi’s free-kick. After halftime, Qatar continued to press but couldn't capitalize on their opportunities. They came close in the 57th minute when Tahsin Jamshid’s header hit the post. Desperate to score, Qatar made three substitutions in the 73rd minute, but Afghanistan held firm. Despite a late scare in added time, Afghanistan held on. A victory against Kuwait will secure their progression to the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the AFC Asian Cup Finals for the first time.