Qatar Gears Up for Tough UAE Clash in World Cup Qualifiers

Back-to-back Asian champions Qatar are bracing for a high-stakes encounter against the UAE in the AFC Asian Qualifiers — Road to 26 showdown on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi.

With both teams fresh off Thursday wins, this Group A battle will be crucial in the race to secure one of the two automatic qualification slots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Qatar enters the match with renewed confidence following a dramatic 3-2 victory over Uzbekistan that reignited their campaign. However, with seven points from five matches, Qatar sits six points behind group leaders Iran and trails Uzbekistan by three points, making the clash with the UAE a must-win.

Lucas Mendes, who secured Qatar’s last-minute triumph against Uzbekistan, expressed the team's determined mindset. “We’re ready to fight to the end and believe in ourselves until the final whistle. The match against the UAE will be tough, but we’re confident and aiming for the win,” Mendes said in an interview with FIFA.com.

Tuesday’s game offers Qatar a chance at redemption after their 1-3 defeat to the UAE in September, which ended their impressive 11-match unbeaten streak, including their perfect title defense in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.

Striker Mohammed Muntari, returning from injury, also echoed the team’s resolve. “We’ve faced challenges post-Asian Cup, but that’s football. We’re committed to working hard and bouncing back to form. This game is crucial, and we’ll give it our all to secure the win,” said Muntari.

Meanwhile, the UAE, who began their campaign with a standout win over Qatar, recently secured their second victory with a 3-0 triumph over Kyrgyz Republic. Head coach Paulo Bento is optimistic about maintaining momentum. “Right now, it’s important to rest and let the players recover fully before gearing up for Qatar. We’re focused on taking it game by game and aiming for that World Cup spot,” Bento stated.

Qatar wrapped up a light training session in Doha on Sunday before heading to Abu Dhabi, where final preparations will be held at Al Nahyan Stadium, the venue for this pivotal matchup.

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