Qatar to take on UAE in World Cup qualifiers

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October 13, 2025
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13-October-2025

Qatar to take on UAE in World Cup qualifiers

Doha: Faced with a must-win tie situation to clinch automatic berth for 2026 World Cup qualification, hosts Qatar are determined to overcome a confident United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the final Group A clash of the fourth round of Asian Qualifiers Playoffs at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Tuesday at 8pm.

UAE, the only team to have logged a win in the group so far after they staged a late fightback to overcome Oman 2-1 on Saturday to lead the standings, now only need to avoid defeat to make their dream of playing their first World Cup since 1990, come true.

Qatar in contrast are sitting second ahead of Oman on goal difference, head into the contest knowing only victory will see them advance to next year’s tournament while a draw would mean having to navigate the playoff against the Group B runners-up for one final chance of qualifying.

While Qatar had an underwhelming performance in the goalless draw with Oman, the two-time AFC Asian Cup champions are not short on star quality but will need Akram Afif and Almoez Ali to lead from the start against a tough UAE.

Qatar’s Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui stressed that his team is determined on gaining victory.

“We’re facing a strong opponent with a top-level coach. Our full focus is on not on past encounters between the teams. Our goal is to fulfill the dream of everyone in Qatar by qualifying for the World Cup. It’s an evenly-matched contest, and we aim to win,” said Lopetegui while speaking on eve of the match..

“We have full confidence in ourselves and our players, and we’re ready to do whatever it takes to win and qualify. We’re facing a major challenge and we know that. We must find solutions on the field. Our goal is clear which is to qualify and we’ll give everything in this decisive match to achieve that.”

Qatar would be banking on the home turf advantage back by a vociferous home crowd.

Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo said the team will have a different plan going into the tie.

“The UAE’s midfield is different from Oman’s, and we’re focused on executing the plan laid out by the coaching staff. Our matches against the UAE are always competitive. As players, we know how important this is. I believe we’re ready. God willing, we’ll win and qualify. This could be the most important match of our careers,” he said.

“These 90 minutes mean World Cup qualification. What’s past is past and this is a new challenge. We’re ready to make history.

“I thank the fans for their constant support. They are truly our first line of strength. We saw the impact of the crowd during the Oman match. We need our fans to back us as they make us stronger,” he added.

UAE coach Cosmin Olaroiu’s second-half adjustments against Oman proved decisive, with substitutes Caio Canedo, Yahia Nader and Harib Abdalla making an immediate impact to spark the turnaround and the Romanian tactician can be expected to tinker with his starting lineup for the Qatar clash.

While Olaroiu was not in charge at that time, he will be determined to replicate UAE’s results in the previous stage against Qatar - a 3-1 victory followed by an emphatic 5-0 win.

Marcos Meloni and Caio Lucas delivered the goals for the Emiratis against Oman while Ali Saleh, Nicolas Gimenez and Fabio Lima were influential throughout and Olaroiu’s side will fancy their chances despite Qatar having home advantage.

Speaking on eve of the crucial clash, Olaroiu said, “Matches like this carry strong motivation. We have big ambitions going into this game against Qatar and these are fully legitimate. We will give everything on the pitch.

“The short turnaround between the Oman game and this one hasn’t allowed us much recovery time, unlike Qatar, who come in more rested. Such contests require high mental readiness, but we will treat the match as a final and look forward to achieving the dream of the Emirati people.

“We do not like to talk about excuses or pressure, as both teams are striving to win, and we are ready to give our best.”

UAE fans have been flooding Doha to watch the already sold-out contest and Olaroiu regretted that many of his team’s fans may not get a seat at the stadium. “Unfortunately, a large number of our fans were unable to obtain tickets after only 8% were allocated. We requested an increase, but we will face all challenges and focus only on achieving victory,” he said.

UAE player Ali Saleh felt that pressure from the fans will weigh on the minds of players of both sides.

“The pressure from our fans is a motivator for us going into this decisive match against Qatar,” he said

“This game is completely different from the one against Oman. We got the win there, and we’ll continue to give our best in this key match. We know it won’t be easy, but we’re determined to perform well, win, and qualify.

“We’re closely following the reactions from UAE fans and they have a massive impact on us as players. We know they’re behind us, whether in the stadium or watching from home. Either way, our full focus is on this match,” he added.