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Qatar and El Salvador draw 0-0 in international friendly ahead of 2026 World Cup

Qatar and El Salvador drew 0-0 in an international friendly as part of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup, after a tight and physical contest at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. Check out here the highlights.

Assim Madibo of Qatar.
© Charles McQuillan /Getty ImagesAssim Madibo of Qatar.

Qatar and El Salvador drew 0-0 in an international friendly ahead of the 2026 World Cup at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. Both sides used the match as preparation for the tournament, with Qatar controlling long spells of possession.

The match was heavily influenced by physical duels and a disrupted rhythm, especially in midfield, where fouls broke up continuous play. Qatar struggled at times to break through El Salvador’s organized defensive structure, particularly in the final third. El Salvador, meanwhile, grew into the game and managed to push higher up the pitch after the break. However, their attacking moves lacked the final precision needed to convert chances into goals.

In the end, both Qatar and El Salvador settled for a goalless draw, reflecting a balanced contest where defensive discipline stood out over attacking efficiency. The result leaves both teams with key lessons as they continue their preparations for the 2026 World Cup. While Qatar showed more control in possession phases, El Salvador’s resilience ensured they matched their opponents in intensity throughout the match.

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Qatar and El Salvador drew 0-0 in an international friendly ahead of the 2026 World Cup in a tightly contested match at BMO Stadium. And you lived every moment of this game here on Bolavip

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90' - Full time (0-0)

The referee blows the final whistle, confirming a 0-0 draw between Qatar and El Salvador in a tightly contested international friendly. Both teams shared a physical and tactical battle as they continue their preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

90' - Four minutes added time (0-0)

The fourth official signals four minutes of added time as both teams push for a late breakthrough. The match remains level heading into the final moments.

89' - Qatar make a late substitution (0-0)

Qatar make another change as Homam Ahmed is replaced by Sultan Al Brake. The visitors continue to rotate their squad in the closing stages of the match.

80' - Multiple substitutions on both sides (0-0)

Both teams make several changes in the second half. El Salvador bring on Isaac Portillo, Danis Cerros, and Jairo Henriquez in place of Mauricio Cerritos, Marcelo Diaz, and Christian Martinez. Qatar respond with Hassan Al Haydos, Tahsin Jamshid, Mohammad Al Mannai, and Al Hussain replacing Akram Afif, Edmilson Junior, Jassem Gaber, and Issa Laye as both sides adjust for the final stretch of the match.

77' - Play stopped after Issa Laye injury concern (0-0)

Play is temporarily halted due to an apparent injury concern for Issa Laye. 

69' - Cooling break halts play again (0-0)

The referee calls for another cooling break as both teams pause in a tightly contested second half. 

68' - El Salvador make another change (0-0)

El Salvador make a further substitution as Nathan Ordaz is replaced by Cristian Gil. The Salvadoran side continue to rotate their attack as they look to maintain their intensity in the second half.

62' - Double substitution for both sides (0-0)

Both teams make changes in the second half. Qatar bring on Ahmed Alaaeldin in place of Yusuf Abdurisag, while El Salvador introduce Mayer Gil for Styven Vasquez as both sides look to adjust their attacking approach.

57' - El Salvador take control of possession in second half (0-0)

El Salvador look much more comfortable in the second half, now controlling more of the possession and dictating the tempo of the game. Qatar are being pushed back as the Salvadoran side manage the rhythm and build their attacks with greater confidence.

53' - Styven Vasquez booked for foul on El Amin (0-0)

Styven Vasquez receives a yellow card after a strong challenge on El Amin.

50' - Qatar make two changes at halftime (0-0)

Qatar make two substitutions to start the second half. Karim Boudiaf and Assim Madibo have replaced Ayoub Al Oui and Ahmed Fathy as they look to refresh the midfield and maintain possession.

45' - Second half is underway! (0-0)

The referee blows the whistle and the second half is underway at BMO Stadium. Both Qatar and El Salvador restart the match looking to break the deadlock after a tightly contested first half.

45' - Halftime (0-0)

The referee brings the first half to an end with the score level at 0-0. Qatar controlled long spells of possession, while El Salvador grew into the match with a stronger finish before the break.

45' - Three minutes added time announced (0-0)

The fourth official signals three minutes of added time at the end of the first half. Both teams look to make a final push before heading into the break.

44' - Mauricio Cerritos comes close with header chance (0-0)

Mauricio Cerritos attempts a right-footed shot from the center of the box, but his effort goes just wide of the crossbar. El Salvador continue to threaten as they push forward with growing confidence.

44' - Julio Sibrian misses from distance (0-0)

Julio Sibrian attempts a right-footed shot from outside the box, but his effort goes wide to the left. El Salvador continue to grow into the match and look more dangerous in attacking positions.

43' - El Salvador push higher and change the momentum (0-0)

El Salvador step up their pressure and push their lines higher, increasing their intensity in the final third. The Salvadoran side begin to consistently reach the attacking area, shifting the dynamic of the match in the closing stages of the first half, with roles now appearing reversed.

37' - Ahmed Fathy booked after foul on Marcelo Diaz (0-0)

Ahmed Fathy receives a yellow card after a hard challenge on Marcelo Diaz. The referee has no hesitation in showing the booking as El Salvador look to slow down Qatar’s attacking rhythm.

32' - Ahmed Fathy misses from distance after free kick rebound (0-0)

Ahmed Fathy tries a left-footed shot from outside the box following a set piece, but his effort goes off target. Qatar continue to build pressure from distance as El Salvador stay compact defensively.

31' - Styven Vasquez denied from close range (0-0)

Styven Vasquez attempts a right-footed shot from the right side of the box, but the effort is comfortably saved. El Salvador threaten in transition, creating one of their clearest moments so far.

23' - Play resumes after cooling break (0-0)

The match restarts after the cooling break with Qatar still on the ball and looking to maintain their attacking pressure. El Salvador return to their disciplined defensive shape, trying to stay compact and limit space.

23' - Cooling break stops the match (0-0)

The referee calls for a cooling break as both teams pause in a tightly contested match.

21' - Edmilson Junior fires wide from distance (0-0)

Edmilson Junior attempts a right-footed shot from outside the box, but his effort goes off target. Qatar continue to push forward, looking for space against a disciplined El Salvador defense.

20' - Qatar dominate possession as El Salvador hold firm (0-0)

The match continues in the same rhythm, with Qatar controlling possession and dictating the tempo. El Salvador remain disciplined and well organized in a compact defensive block, doing everything possible to contain the pressure. However, it feels like only a matter of time before Qatar find a clearer opening in the final third.

14' - Issa Laye goes close with a header (0-0)

Qatar come close to opening the scoring as Issa Laye rises inside the box and sends a header just over the crossbar. Akram Afif delivers the assist, creating the best chance of the match so far.

12' - Physical battle slows the pace (0-0)

The match has become increasingly scrappy with a series of minor fouls disrupting the rhythm. El Salvador are making life difficult for Qatar, pressing high and preventing them from building attacks with any fluency.

5' - Qatar control possession but create little danger (0-0)

Qatar have enjoyed most of the possession in the opening stages, but they have been unable to break through El Salvador's organized defensive block. Neither side have created a clear scoring opportunity as the match remains level.

0' - Game is underway! (0-0)

The referee blows the whistle and the international friendly between Qatar and El Salvador is officially underway at BMO Stadium.

Today's venue

BMO Stadium, located in the Exposition Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, hosts today's international friendly between Qatar and El Salvador. The soccer-specific venue is home to MLS's Los Angeles FC and the National Women's Soccer League's Angel City FC.

Qatar upcoming schedule

  • June 13, 2026: Qatar vs. Switzerland, World Cup
  • June 18, 2026: Canada vs. Qatar, World Cup
  • June 24, 2026: Bosnia vs. Qatar, World Cup

El Salvador starting XI

El Salvador will start with: Mario Gonzalez; Diego Flores, Jorge Cruz, Julian Sibrian, Rudy Clavel, Jefferson Valladares; Mauricio Cerritos, Christian Martinez, Marcelo Diaz; Nathan Ordez, Styven Vasquez.

Qatar confirmed lineup

Qatar will start with: Mahmud Abunada; Ayoub Al Oui, Pedro Miguel, Boualem Khoukhi, Homam Ahmed; Jassem Gaber, Ahmed Fathy, Issa Laye; Edmilson Junior, Yusuf Abdurisag, Akram Afif.

Start time

Qatar vs El Salvador will get underway at 4:00 PM ET (PT: 1:00 PM)

Qatar and El Salvador clash in international friendly

Welcome to our live blog of today's international friendly!

Qatar face El Salvador at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles in their final match before the 2026 World Cup.

Stay with us for key moments, important updates and minute-by-minute coverage as Qatar and El Salvador battle it out today.

Emilio Abad
Emilio Abad
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