UAE bid to keep World Cup hopes alive with victory over Uzbekistan

The UAE stand in Uzbekistan’s way with the Central Asian nation on the verge of securing FIFA World Cup qualification for the first time.

Timur Kapadze’s Uzbekistan only need to avoid defeat against UAE in their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 Group A tie to join Islamic Republic of Iran at next year’s global extravaganza.

The UAE, however, will go into the tie at the Al Nahyan Stadium determined to - at the very least - delay Uzbekistan’s celebrations.

Seeking a second appearance at the FIFA World Cup, UAE still have an outside chance of securing an automatic ticket and will have Romanian tactician Cosmin Olariu leading them for the first time.

They sit on 13 points, four behind Uzbekistan but with just two matches remaining, their fate is out of their hands but Olariu has vowed they will do their best to keep their dream of automatic qualification alive.

Stopping history-seeking Uzbekistan won’t be easy, with the White Wolves having suffered defeat only once in their qualifying campaign.

The players, said defender Rustam Ashurmatov, are determined to realise the dreams of their nation.

“We give our all in every match. We go to the field only to win. I think our team is capable of this - we will win,” said Ashurmatov to local media.

Meanwhile, Julen Lopetegui will be aiming to get his tenure off to a winning start when Qatar host Islamic Republic of Iran in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 on Thursday.

While Iran have already confirmed their FIFA World Cup 2026 appearance, Qatar’s hopes depend on them advancing from the playoffs, with automatic qualification no longer an option.

Such have two-time AFC Asian Cup winners Qatar’s troubles been that Lopetegui will be the third head coach in charge of their qualifying campaign.

With an automatic spot out of reach, former Spain and Real Madrid manager Lopetegui has to ensure the West Asian side finish a minimum fourth to book a spot in the playoffs, where an additional two FIFA World Cup tickets will be at stake.

On a positive note, they sit four points ahead of Kyrgyz Republic but with Iran and then Uzbekistan to follow, Qatar must tread with caution.

Iran will head into the tie in relaxed mode after securing a fourth consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup.

In what has been a sterling qualifying campaign, the only points Team Melli dropped were in two stalemates with Uzbekistan and they aren’t likely to hold back despite having already secured their FIFA World Cup slot.

The corresponding fixture last November ended 5-0 in Iran’s favour and they will be aiming for another statement win. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia both know the score - only victory will suffice when they meet in Group C of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 on Thursday.

Bahrain are chasing a playoff spot while Saudi Arabia need the three points to keep their hopes of automatic qualification alive going into next Tuesday’s final round of matches.

Defeats against Indonesia and Japan in the March fixtures ended Bahrain’s hopes of an automatic spot, with the West Asian side going into their tie against Saudi Arabia on six points.

They sit three point behind Indonesia, with the third and fourth-place teams to advance to the playoffs which offer an additional two spots to the global showpiece.

While their fate is no longer in their hands, Bahrain will be determined to remain in the race for as long as they can as they look to make up for their March defeats.

With Japan having already confirmed their spot in next year’s Finals, Saudi Arabia are in a two-horse race with Australia - with the Socceroos in prime position to advance automatically.

That, however, could change if Australia fail to beat Japan on Thursday as a win for Saudi Arabia against Bahrain will mean the two will face off in a winner-takes-all showdown on Tuesday.

Oman will aim to maximise home ground advantage when they welcome Jordan to the Sultan Qaboos Sport Complex for their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 Group B tie on Thursday.