The UAE national football team delivered a resounding 5-0 victory over Qatar on Tuesday at Abu Dhabi’s Al Nahyan Stadium, significantly boosting their chances of securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Moreover, this victory highlights the team’s growing momentum in the qualifiers, strengthening their position in Group A.
Fabio Lima Shines with Four Goals
Brazil-born striker Fabio Lima stole the show, netting four goals in a breathtaking performance. In fact, Lima completed his hat trick before halftime and later added his fourth goal in the 56th minute, cementing the UAE’s dominance. Yahya Al Ghassani also joined the scoring spree, netting the fifth goal in the 73rd minute to seal the win and underline the home team’s brilliance.
UAE Climbs in Group A Standings
This emphatic victory marks the UAE’s second consecutive win, following their 3-0 triumph over Kyrgyzstan on November 14. As a result, the team now holds third place in Group A of the Asian World Cup Qualifiers with 10 points from six matches. Iran continues to lead the group with 16 points, followed closely by Uzbekistan with 13 points.
Notably, the top two teams in each group will earn direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup, while the third and fourth-placed teams face additional rounds to secure their spots.
Asia’s Road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Asia has eight direct slots for the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup. To achieve this, the third round of qualifiers divides 18 teams into three groups of six. The UAE’s Group A opponents include Qatar, Iran, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and North Korea.
Meanwhile, Group B consists of South Korea, Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Palestine, and Kuwait, while Group C features Australia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, China, and Indonesia.
The top two teams from each group will advance directly to the World Cup. However, the third and fourth-placed teams will enter a competitive fourth round. Ultimately, the fourth-round winners secure the remaining two Asian slots, and the runners-up compete in an inter-confederation playoff for the final World Cup spots.
UAE’s Long World Cup Wait
The UAE aims to end a decades-long drought, as they last appeared in the FIFA World Cup during their debut in 1990. Encouragingly, performances like Tuesday’s dominant win over Qatar have renewed hope for a return to the global stage.
With determination and improved form, the UAE football team keeps the dream of competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive and well.
