UAE on verge of ending 35-year World Cup wait ahead of crucial Oman clash

The United Arab Emirates is on the brink of ending its 35-year wait for a FIFA World Cup appearance as it prepares for a crucial qualifier against Oman in Doha on Saturday night.

According to Khaleej Times, Head coach Cosmin Olaroiu said his players are fully motivated to keep the nation’s World Cup dream alive as they aim to top Group A in the fourth round of the Asian qualifiers.

The UAE’s only appearance at the global showpiece came in 1990, but Olaroiu’s side now has a strong opportunity to return to the world stage by finishing first in their group, which also includes Oman and Qatar.

“I am happy that everyone has the same goal and ambition — to reach the World Cup,” Olaroiu told the Asian Football Confederation website. “This dream doesn’t just belong to the players, but to an entire nation.”

Path to qualification

Oman and Qatar played out a goalless draw in the opening match of the group on Wednesday. The UAE faces Oman tonight (kickoff 9:15 p.m. UAE time) before taking on Qatar in their final match on October 14.

The team finishing top of the group will qualify directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The runners-up will enter a playoff against the second-placed side from Group B — featuring Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Indonesia — in November. The winner of that two-legged playoff will advance to the intercontinental playoff for the final World Cup berth.

Determined to avoid the complex playoff route, the UAE is targeting top spot and a direct qualification.

Belief and unity

With thousands of UAE fans already in Doha to support the team, Olaroiu praised the unity and determination within the squad and the wider football community.

“All members of the UAE football system share the same dream. What we need is confidence and commitment,” said the Romanian coach. “We have a real chance to reach the World Cup, and we must believe in it and fight for it with all our might.”

Since Olaroiu replaced Paulo Bento as head coach in April 2025, the UAE have remained unbeaten in four matches — a run they will be eager to extend tonight as they chase history.