In a dramatic AFC World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) defeated North Korea 2-1, thanks to a late goal from Sultan Adil.

This win keeps the UAE's hopes of automatic qualification alive, moving their total points to 13, just four points behind Uzbekistan, who currently hold the second qualifying spot in Group A, with only two matches left in the qualifiers.

Iran has already secured its place for the 2026 World Cup following a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan earlier in the day, marking a significant achievement as it becomes the first team from the group to qualify.

The match began with the UAE taking early control, as Fabio de Lima opened the scoring in the fifth minute.

Harib Abdalla played an incisive ball behind the North Korean defense, leading to a failed clearance by Kim Yu Song, which allowed de Lima to capitalize on the rebound for his 21st international goal.

The UAE maintained pressure in the first half, with Caio Fernandes coming close to doubling the lead in the 15th minute via a diving header that narrowly missed the target.

Nonetheless, the tide shifted as North Korea started to probe the UAE defense.

Their persistence paid off just before halftime when a corner kick saw Pak Hwang Hun's powerful header strike the bar, with Kim Yu Song nodding in from close range to equalize in the 43rd minute.

In the second half, the competition became more balanced with limited chances for either side.

Both coaches made tactical changes, but the score remained level until late in the game.

In the final moments, UAE’s Kang Ju Hyok made crucial saves, deflecting a free-kick from Abdalla Ramadan and catching Lucas Pimenta's overhead attempt, keeping the game in contention.

However, in a thrilling finish, Sultan Adil found the net with a glancing header from Abdalla's cross deep into stoppage time, securing the victory for the UAE.

This win revives the UAE's aspirations to reach the World Cup finals, a milestone last achieved in 1990. The Asian qualifiers feature eight direct spots for the next World Cup, which will expand to 48 teams.

The teams in the qualification stages are subdivided into three groups of six in the third round.

In addition to the UAE, Group A includes Qatar, Iran, and Uzbekistan, while Group B consists of South Korea, Iraq, and Jordan, and Group C features Australia and Japan, among others.

The top two teams from each group will qualify directly, and the third and fourth-placed teams will compete in a playoff for a chance to secure a World Cup berth.

As the qualifiers progress, the competition remains fierce, with multiple teams vying for limited opportunities at a spot in the tournament set to take place in North America.