In a stunning upset, the national football team of Kyrgyzstan defeated the reigning Asian champions, Qatar, by a score of 3:1 in the third qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup. The match took place on March 25, 2025, at the Dolon Omurzakov Stadium in Bishkek, marking a significant moment for Kyrgyz football.
The game, which kicked off at 19:45 local time, was officiated by FIFA referee Nasaruddin Muhammad from Malaysia, flanked by assistants Khalil Tan Muhammad Zairul and Zainal Abidin Muhammad Mu Azi. From the start, both teams appeared eager, with Kyrgyzstan donning their formidable red kits, representing their unity and strength.
The first half saw decisive moments, with Kyrgyzstan’s captain, Valeriy Kichin, scoring a tactical goal just before halftime, giving his team a 1:0 lead. As the clock wound down to injury time, Kichin executed a well-placed free kick that left the Qatari defense scrambling.
However, the beginning of the second half turned dramatic as Qatar quickly equalized. In the 52nd minute, a set-piece delivered from a corner caught the Kyrgyz defense off-guard, setting up Ahmed Suhail's equalizer.
With the score tied, the atmosphere in the stadium intensified. The residency of local supports had picked up, urging the Kyrgyz team to find their stride again. Just moments later, in the 55th minute, things took a turn for Qatar when Lucas Mendes received a red card, leaving the Qatari squad to compete with ten men. This shift invited more aggression from Kyrgyzstan.
Kyrgyzstan capitalized on their man advantage and regained their lead in the 82nd minute, with Alexander Mishenko scoring a powerful header from a corner kick, displaying their tactical approach and aerial dominance, sending the home supporters into a frenzy. Minutes later, in a dramatic finale, Ailimardon Shukuriv stole his moment in the spotlight, scoring a beautiful goal in the 90+3rd minute to seal the match at 3:1.
The victory represents more than just three points in the tournament; it symbolizes Kyrgyzstan’s resilience and burgeoning talent on the international stage. Despite being classified as underdogs in Group A, which also features seasoned teams like Iran and Uzbekistan, this victory has energized their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup, indicating their potential to rise among Asia's football elite.
Looking ahead, Kyrgyzstan remains mindful of upcoming matches against formidable opponents, needing to leverage this momentum to further solidify their standing in the qualifiers. On the other side, Qatar, while experiencing a disappointing result, will need to reassess their strategies to maintain their competitive edge in the remaining qualification rounds.
The match garnered attention not only for the outcome but also for its engaging atmosphere, with fans filling the Dolon Omurzakov Stadium, creating an electric environment. Local supporters cheered passionately, highlighting the cultural importance of football in Kyrgyzstan.
This matchup illustrated not only a test of athletic prowess but also a battle of wills, setting the stage for what could be a thrilling campaign ahead. With every goal and cheer, the narrative of Kyrgyz football continues to evolve, showing that they can indeed shine on a global platform.
