The United Arab Emirates and Oman meet on Saturday at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha in a pivotal AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 showdown, with both sides chasing top spot in Group A and a direct path to the 2026 World Cup.
For the UAE, this marks their first match in the current phase after advancing through the earlier rounds as group winners. Head coach Cosmin Olaroiu’s side are targeting a second-ever World Cup appearance following their lone showing at Italy 1990. With only group winners from this three-team bracket earning direct qualification, Al-Abyad enter knowing a win would put them firmly in control after Oman and Qatar shared a goalless draw in their opening fixture.
Olaroiu has guided the team through a steady rebuild, overseeing a six-match unbeaten run that includes victories over Syria, Bahrain, and Italian club Lecce in recent friendlies. The Romanian tactician believes momentum is on their side after recent improvements in fitness and cohesion. Central to their hopes is naturalised playmaker Fabio Lima, who has scored eight goals in qualifying and promised to give “200 per cent” in what he called “the two most important games in our career.”
The UAE’s squad also sees several key returns: Caio Lucas is back after recovering from injury, defender Khalifa Al-Hammadi rejoins the team, and forward Sultan Adil is available following a suspension. Their inclusion adds depth and experience to a lineup expected to feature Lima and Ali Saleh as creative outlets behind striker Sebastian Tagliabue.
Oman, meanwhile, face mounting pressure after earning just a point from their opening game. The Reds, led by veteran coach Carlos Queiroz, are bidding for a first-ever World Cup berth. A resilient performance against Qatar offered positives, with goalkeeper Thani Al Rushaidi’s outstanding display earning him man-of-the-match honours. However, Queiroz’s side must now find goals to stay alive in the group.
Oman will likely maintain their 4-1-4-1 formation, anchored by returning midfielder Harib Al Saadi after suspension. Nasser Al Rawahi is expected to replace the injured Jameel Al Yahmadi on the right flank, while Issam Al Sabhi leads the attack.
History offers little comfort for Oman, who have failed to beat the UAE in their last eight competitive meetings. Their last win came in 2007, though they did triumph in a friendly last year. For Queiroz’s squad, breaking that streak could redefine their campaign and keep their qualification dream alive.
Kick-off in Doha is scheduled for 22:00 local time, with both teams aware that anything less than victory could prove costly in Asia’s tense race to the 2026 World Cup.
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