With a dramatic win over Oman, the UAE take a vital step toward a long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup. The result not only cements their position at the top of Group A but also sets up a high-stakes face-off against Qatar, with direct qualification within reach.
UAE beat Oman in World Cup qualifier: How the match unfolded
The UAE national football team staged a resilient 2–1 comeback victory over Oman on Saturday at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, in their opening match of the fourth round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Oman opened the scoring in the 12th minute after sustained early pressure. Forward Issam Al Subhi unleashed a shot that deflected off UAE defender Kwame Atun, wrong-footing goalkeeper Khalid Eisa and handing Oman the lead via an own goal. Oman controlled possession through much of the first half, applying pressing tactics that limited the UAE’s movement and creativity. The Emirati side struggled to find rhythm, with their attacking attempts disrupted by injuries and tight Omani defense. A pivotal moment came in the 32nd minute when UAE’s key winger Yahya Al Ghassani was forced off with an injury following a promising run. Head coach Cosmin Olăroiu brought on Ali Saleh as his replacement. Despite intermittent flashes of individual brilliance from Nicolas Giménez and Fabio Lima, the UAE went into halftime trailing 1–0. Defensive gaps and miscommunication marked their first-half display, while Oman maintained momentum through sharp midfield control and quick transitions.
Tactical shifts and substitutions spark a turnaround
The second half saw a strategic overhaul from coach Cosmin Olăroiu, who introduced three key substitutes — Harib Abdalla, Caio Canedo, and Yahya Nader. The changes had an immediate impact, increasing attacking urgency and opening up the flanks. In the 72nd minute, UAE appeared to have won a penalty when Ali Saleh was brought down in the box. However, following a VAR review, the decision was overturned, and play resumed without the spot kick. Undeterred, the UAE continued to press. Persistence finally paid off in the 76th minute. Ali Saleh delivered a perfectly measured cross into the box, where Marcos (or Milos) Miloni rose to head in the equalizer, breaking Oman’s resistance and bringing the game level. Just seven minutes later, the comeback was completed. Caio Lucas received the ball outside the penalty area and fired a thunderous long-range shot into the bottom corner in the 83rd minute. The goal, showcasing calm precision under pressure, became an instant viral hit on social media, capturing the joy of both players and fans. The final minutes saw Oman push forward in search of an equalizer, but UAE goalkeeper Khalid Eisa stepped up, making two critical saves to preserve the lead. His composure in the closing moments sealed the win and solidified his role in the team’s hard-fought victory.
Group A standings and what comes next
This result places the UAE at the top of Group A in the AFC Asian playoff qualifiers with three points. Oman and Qatar, who played out a goalless draw in their opening match, each hold one point. The stakes remain high. The UAE will face hosts Qatar in their next match on Tuesday, October 14. A draw would be enough to secure direct qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a historic milestone that would mark the UAE’s first return to football’s grandest stage since 1990. For Oman, the road is now more complex. With only one point from two games, their path likely leads to the intercontinental playoff, unless results elsewhere swing heavily in their favor.
‘A Nation’s Dream’ rekindled after 35 years
The UAE’s only World Cup appearance came in 1990, during the tournament held in Italy. Since then, qualification has remained elusive. Under the leadership of Romanian coach Cosmin Olăroiu, appointed earlier in 2025, the team has demonstrated new tactical cohesion and resilience. Olăroiu has managed to maintain an unbeaten streak so far, blending experienced internationals with younger talents like Harib Abdalla and Yahya Al Ghassani. Support for the team is swelling. Thousands of UAE fans made the trip to Doha, turning the stadium into a sea of white shirts and flags. After the wign, prominent voices, including Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President, congratulated the team online. “Congratulations to our national team on their well-deserved victory, and hard luck to our Omani brothers’ team,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). The viral video of Caio Lucas’ goal, now circulating widely across social platforms, has become emblematic of the UAE’s campaign: focused, spirited, and ambitious. With one final step remaining, the UAE are within touching distance of rewriting history. All eyes now turn to Tuesday, as they prepare to face Qatar, and potentially seal their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
