UAE Set to Face Qatar in AFC World Cup Qualifiers

The UAE national football team is gearing up to face Qatar in their opening match of the AFC Asian Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The game will take place at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, where Qatar, fresh off an 11-match unbeaten run, will look to continue their momentum following their triumph in the AFC Asian Cup.

Key players Akram Afif and Almoez Ali will return to Qatar’s lineup, both instrumental in their team’s success, with Ali having topped the scoring charts in the second round. Qatar, who made their World Cup debut as hosts in 2022, aim to qualify for the global tournament on merit this time around.

The UAE, seeking a second World Cup appearance, will be determined to bounce back after narrowly missing out on Qatar 2022, and head coach Paulo Bento is confident in his squad’s ability to challenge Qatar. The UAE has not beaten Qatar since 2015, but with their renewed determination, the team is hopeful of breaking that streak.

Other Key AFC Qualifiers Matches:

Saudi Arabia vs Indonesia: Saudi Arabia looks to maintain their perfect record against Indonesia as they begin their Group C campaign, led by head coach Roberto Mancini.
Iraq vs Oman: Iraq, under head coach Jesus Casas, is determined to return to the World Cup for the first time since 1986, starting with a key match against Oman in Group B.

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Favian Ningrum

Hailing from Indonesia, Favian Ningrum is a passionate writer with a deep love for the AFC Champions League and an unyielding allegiance to Liverpool. Favian's articles seamlessly blend the thrill of continental competitions with his insights into the global footballing landscape. As an AFC aficionado and Liverpool fanatic, Favian's analysis goes beyond the surface, delving into the intricacies of tactics and the stories that unfold on and off the pitch.

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