Vientiane, Laos: Asian champions Qatar on Tuesday shared points in a fighting 2-2 draw with North Korea in their 2026 FIFA World Cup clash at New Laos Football Stadium. With heavy rain making play extremely difficult for both sides, Qatar conceded an early goal through a spectacular effort from North Korea's Ri ll-Song. However, chief striker Akram Afif (penalty 31) helped Qatar draw level before Almoez Ali saw Al Annabi take the lead in the 44th minute. North Korea drew level when Kuk-Chol Kang scored in the 51st minute. This was the first point for Marquez Lopez's side which lost to the United Arab Emirates last Thursday. Earlier in the first half, both sides started the game tad cagey due to the uneven playing surface at Laos Football Stadium. However, the North Koreans were rewarded with bold play. Il-Song opened the scoring with a long-range shot. The North Korean player shot from outside the area and successfully found the back of the Qatar net. After conceding an early goal, Qatar got the equalizer through a well-taken spot kick by Afif. Moments earlier Afif was brought down in the Qatar box by North Korea's Kuk-Chol following a neat pass by Almoez a few yards away Afif chose to target the right of goalkeeper Kang ju-hyok and scored Qatar's opening goal in the 31st minute. Close to the first half whistle, Almoez found the net for the Asian champions. Almoez fired a spectacular shot with his right foot from outside the box and hit the back of the net to put Qatar ahead. Six minutes into the second half, North Korea produced an equaliser. Kuk-Chol equalized from a free kick. Afif and Lucas Mendes nearly put Qatar ahead late in the second half but on each occasion the North Korean keeper was alert to the danger. The heavy rains formed puddles on the New Laos Football Stadium making it difficult for players to make moves. Qatar and North Korea play the return Group A match in Doha next March.