Shaikh Salman reaffirmed that the FIFA Arab Cup 2021 represents an excellent addition to the international football calendar, as it paves the way for 23 Arab teams to participate in a top-level and highly-competitive environment. He added his confidence in FIFA, who continue to support the development of such competitions, to provide the perfect stage for the region’s finest talents.

The nine highest-ranked teams, including host country Qatar, will join the seven winners from the qualifying stage in the final tournament.

Iraq will face Thailand, while Vietnam will play Lebanon, with the respective winners of the two-legged playoffs to advance to global finals.

The first legs of the playoffs will be staged on May 20, with the return matches pencilled in for five days later.

Nam Tae-hee’s 64th minute header proved the difference in their Matchday Five clash, as Al Sadd moved up to the top of the standings with 10 points.

Xavi’s charges held control of the match at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium, recording nearly 60 percent of possession with 12 shots, and the legendary Spaniard was ecstatic with the vital win as a draw against Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr on Thursday will seal Al Sadd their Round of 16 berth.

Al Wehdat, already eliminated going into the Group D tie at the King Saud University Stadium, scored through Ahmad Zreik (44th) and Abdou N’Diaye (72nd) with Abderrazak Hamdallah’s penalty in added time a mere consolation for 2020 AFC Champions League semi-finalists Al Nassr.

Not only did the result dent Al Nassr’s Round of 16 hopes but it also meant that Al Wehdat marked their debut campaign in the AFC Champions League with a win.

Jefferson Colazos opened the scoring for the Iraqi side before Khalid Bawazir equalised for the hosts and Salem Saleh struck home to put Sharjah in front before the break. Both Colazos and Saleh scored again early in the second half to double their own tallies with Saleh’s header settling the score Sharjah’s way before the hour mark.

Tim Matavz put Al Wahda ahead five minutes into the tie at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium as ten Cate’s charges registered their third consecutive victory.

The win took Al Wahda to 10 points, two behind group leaders Persepolis of the Islamic Republic of Iran with the UAE club to end their group stage campaign against hosts FC Goa on Thursday.