The UAE will take on Iran in a crucial game for the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. With a lot of confidence and careful preparation, the UAE hopes to win against a strong Iranian team. This game is very important for both sides as they compete for a spot in the World Cup. Fans are excited to see how the UAE performs, hoping the team will rise to the occasion. With growing anticipation, the UAE is prepared to put in their best effort in this key match. UAE’s Big Test Against Iran: Road to the FIFA World Cup 2026
Qatar is looking to keep their winning streak going as they play against the UAE in their first game of the AFC Asian Qualifiers Road to FIFA World Cup 2026, Group A, at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Thursday. After winning the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, Qatar secured their spot in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers with two games still to play. They now enter their Group A clash with the UAE riding an impressive 11-match undefeated streak, bringing confidence into their upcoming battle on the field.
FIFA World Cup 2026
The team that has won the AFC Asian Cup twice will welcome back important players Akram Afif and Almoez Ali. Coach Marquez Lopez decided to rest some top players during the last two games of the second round against Afghanistan and India.
Qatar, aiming to earn a spot in the world event on their own after making their first appearance as hosts in 2022, will have plenty of confidence. Ali, who led the scoring charts with seven goals, matching South Korea’s Son Heung-min in the second round, and Afif, who earned the AFC Asian Cup Golden Boot, will be essential to their campaign.
They will meet a UAE team aiming for their second time at the world event, after narrowly missing out on qualifying for the Qatar 2022 edition, with Australia ending their run in the Asian playoff. The setback of 2022 has motivated Paulo Bento’s squad, which advanced easily into the AFC Asian Qualifiers with two matches still to play.
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The UAE team, however, has not won against Qatar since their 4-1 victory in the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015, but Bento remains confident that his squad has the skill to break this long streak. Saudi Arabia face Indonesia: Saudi Arabia will look to keep their flawless record intact when they begin their Group C journey against Indonesia at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Thursday.
The Green Falcons boast a flawless history in their games against the Southeast Asian team, winning 10 times and drawing once. Coach Roberto Mancini aims to lead Saudi Arabia to their seventh spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Mancini’s team secured a spot in this phase with one game left, and although they lost their last group match in the second round to Jordan, the Italian coach remains confident of grabbing one of the two guaranteed FIFA World Cup 2026 spots available in the group.
The 59-year-old manager has included AS Roma’s new defender Saud Abdulhamid and the reigning AFC Player of the Year, Salem Al Dawsari, in a strong 31-player team for the upcoming game against Indonesia.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Maarten Paes is the only new addition to Shin Tae-yong’s familiar Indonesia squad. The team also includes Marselino Ferdinan, recently signed by Oxford United, and Jay Idzes, who plays for Venezia in Italy’s Serie A.
Shin guided Indonesia to finish second in Group F in the second round, trailing Iraq by eight points but importantly, staying four points clear of Vietnam. The Korean coach remains practical about the challenges ahead.
“Our goal is definitely to get great results, and we will put in our best effort. The game is unpredictable, and anything can occur, but one thing is sure: we will give our best to achieve the highest possible,” said Shin.
Iraq is ready to make a strong effort to secure a spot in the FIFA World Cup as they start their Asian Qualifiers Group B journey against Oman.
Having won every game in the second round, Iraq, under the leadership of Jesus Casas, aims to match the success of the 1986 squad that marked Iraq’s debut in the FIFA World Cup in Mexico.
Although the 1986 campaign ended with three losses, Iraq is excited to get back to the world stage. With the talent at his disposal, Casas is confident that his team can claim one of the eight places in the FIFA World Cup 2026, set to be hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Since Casas began coaching in 2022, Iraq has grown into a formidable team, highlighted by their 2-1 victory over Japan during the group stage of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023. Known for their fast-paced style of play, Iraq has used speed and quickness to control their opponents, and they plan to keep using this approach in the AFC Asian Qualifiers.