Summary of the UAE National Team’s Preparations for world Cup Qualifiers
this text details the UAE national football team (“Al-Abyad”)’s preparations for the fourth stage of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, hosted in Qatar. Here’s a breakdown of the key information:
key Focus:
Upcoming Qualifiers: The UAE will face Oman (October 11th) and Qatar (October 14th) in a “round-robin” format. the group winner directly qualifies for the World Cup Finals.
Preparation through Friendlies: The team is using friendly matches to assess player readiness and refine tactics. They recently won 3-1 against Syria. Final List Selection: The bahrain friendly is the last chance for players to impress coach Oario Cosmin and secure a spot on the final qualifying roster.
Key Takeaways from Syria Match:
Positive: Good harmony between players despite frequent squad rotations, maintained performance rythm, organized play, high spirit, abundance of offensive options, effective high pressing and swift ball recovery. Coach’s Focus: cosmin analyzed the Syria match, providing video feedback to improve strengths and address weaknesses (movement, space occupation). He emphasized maintaining the fighting spirit.
Bahrain Friendly – A Crucial Test:
Opponent: Bahrain is a physically strong and tactically disciplined team, providing a realistic test before the qualifiers.
Expected Lineup: Cosmin is likely to start with a lineup closer to his preferred starting eleven.
Key Players:
khaled Issa (Goalkeeper): Expected to start, bringing experience and leadership.
Caio Lucas: Expected to get his first start in this gathering.
Goal: To assess the team’s readiness and finalize the squad list.
coach Cosmin’s Approach:
Competition: He’s fostering competition for starting positions, keeping the door open for players to prove themselves.
Balance: He’s looking for a balance between experience and youth.
Emphasis: he values commitment, readiness, and performance under pressure.
Overall Sentiment:
There’s a sense of optimism and relief within the team following the win against Syria. The Bahrain friendly is seen as a vital chance for players to demonstrate their worth and secure their place in the squad for the crucial World Cup qualifiers. The sports community is hoping for continued positive performances to build confidence ahead of the October matches.
