Between these competitions, Yemen participated in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC Second Round where they were grouped with Uzbekistan, minnows Singapore and fellow Arab rivals Saudi Arabia and Palestine. During their first games, Yemen got two points after two 2–2 draws over minnows Singapore away and more importantly, the encouraging draw to powerhouse Saudi Arabia in Bahrain, with the Yemenis took the lead twice, to end its losing streak to Saudi Arabia since 2002. Yet, Yemen slumped later after got a 0–5 demolition to Uzbekistan, before beating Palestine 1–0 to gain its first major win in this qualification round. However, disappointment would soon return when Yemen suffered a heartbreaking loss to Singapore 1–2 and putting its qualification at risk.