The UAE national football team is on the verge of securing a direct place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a decisive qualifying match against Qatar scheduled for Tuesday in Doha.
Following a crucial 2-1 victory over Oman on Saturday, the UAE, known as the Whites, now lead Group A of the Asian qualifiers with three points. Qatar and Oman are currently tied with one point each. This means a draw against Qatar will be sufficient for the UAE to qualify, while their opponents must win to advance to the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
The all-important fixture will take place at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, home of Al Sadd Club.
Arrangements for Supporters
The UAE Football Association (Uaefa) has outlined a specific process for fans wishing to attend the match. An allocation of eight per cent of the stadium’s capacity has been reserved for UAE supporters, with a limited number of tickets available.
Online registration for these tickets opened on Sunday at 8 pm UAE time (7 pm in Doha). The association has also organised support for the travelling fans, with cheering materials to be provided on match day. Gates at the stadium will open for fans at 5:30 pm.
For those unable to secure a match ticket, Uaefa has arranged alternative viewing locations. Supporters are encouraged to gather at either the Sheraton Hotel’s Majlis Hall or the Radisson Blu Hotel’s Joanna Hall to watch the game. The strong backing for the team is clear, as a sea of UAE fans have taken to Doha’s streets ahead of the qualifier.
The team’s current position is a result of their hard-fought 2-1 victory against Oman in a tense all-Gulf clash over the weekend. A positive result on Tuesday would see the UAE return to the World Cup finals for the first time since their debut appearance in 1990.
