Doha, March 20 (QNA) - Qatar thrashed North Korea 5-1 in the third round of the AFC 2026 World Cup qualifiers, on Thursday.

Akram Afif broke the deadlock 17 minutes into the game, five minutes before Ahmed Al Ganehi doubled the score. An own goal from Kim Yu-song in the 34th minute and two second half goals from Ahmed Al Rawi and Ahmed Alaa sealed the rout at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium.

Pak Hyok-sung scored the solace goal for the guests in the 87th minute.

This victory raises the Maroons' tally to 10 points placed fourth in Group A behind the UAE on goal difference, reinvigorating their dreams of advancing to the event due in the US, Mexico and Canada.

Also on Thursday, The UAE lost 2-0 to group leaders Iran. (QNA)