The stage is set for a high-stakes battle on Saturday at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium as United Arab Emirates (UAE) face Oman in the fourth round/playoffs of the AFC Asian Qualifiers for FIFA World Cup 2026.
Both sides are chasing a win that could dramatically shape their qualification chances — a victory for Oman could bring them within touching distance of their first-ever FIFA World Cup berth, while UAE seek to return to the global stage for the first time since Italia ’90.
Oman Coach Carlos Queiroz’s Historic Ambition
Having fought to a 1-1 draw against hosts Qatar a day ago, Oman coach Carlos Queiroz is brimming with belief.
It is a very important and decisive World Cup Qualifier match. We can make history if we qualify for the first time. Our goal is to win as we did in the previous game. We are aware of the value of this encounter and the opportunity to get closer to the dream of reaching the World Cup.
However, Queiroz is aware of the challenge that awaits. Oman must contend without Jameel Al Yahmadi, who got injured in the 24th minute against Qatar and will miss the clash against UAE. Oman will rely heavily on striker Issam Alsabhi, who impressed in the last match, and on maintaining their record of scoring in six of their previous ten Qualifier games.
The UAE team is strong and organised, and they will do everything to make their fans happy. We must focus fully and play with great discipline and enthusiasm to achieve victory: We must benefit from the lessons of the past, build on our strengths, and face the match step by step with confidence and great ambition. Winning this match will be an important step on our path towards World Cup qualification.
UAE’s Quest to Reclaim World Cup Glory
For UAE, a win against Oman is not just about points — it’s about reigniting a dream that has been more than three decades in the making. Since their historic debut in Italia ’90, UAE have not reached the World Cup again.
This dream doesn’t just belong to the players, but to an entire nation. We have a real chance to reach the World Cup, and we must believe in it and defend it with all our might.
Under Olaroiu, UAE remain unbeaten in three matches and have secured a spot in the Playoffs. Yet their recent record — draws against Kyrgyzstan (0-0) and Uzbekistan (1-1) — shows they must now push harder. Their last competitive win came against North Korea (2-1) in March.
The UAE are expected to field Croatian Sasa Ivkovic in defence, alongside Brazilian veteran Fabio Lima in attack, supported by Ali Saleh and Harib Suhail on the flanks — a combination aimed at unsettling Oman’s defence and claiming victory.
The Stakes and the Road Ahead
With both teams tied on points in Group A — Qatar and Oman on one point each — the outcome of this clash could be decisive in the battle for automatic qualification. Group winners from both pools will go straight to the World Cup, while runners-up face a knockout stage for the final spots.
For Oman, victory would be historic. For UAE, it’s a chance to revive a national dream. Saturday’s clash is not just a match — it is a battle for history.
