World Cup Hopes on the Line: UAE and Oman Brace for a Do-or-Die Playoff in Doha

Match Preview

Oman and the United Arab Emirates are finalizing their preparations for the pivotal playoff clash scheduled for tomorrow at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, a fixture marking the second round of Asia’s World Cup Qualifiers for 2026.

The UAE appear fully prepared under Romanian boss Cosmin Olaroiu, who has settled on a squad of 27 players, including 14 naturalized stars, to contest the two-leg tie that could propel the Gulf side toward a first appearance at the FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico next year.

Among the talking points is Kaio Lucas, the Sharjah striker, who has joined the camp despite not being fully fit. He was present in the prior camp but did not feature in the recent friendlies against Syria and Bahrain, and his status for the upcoming game remains under consideration. The group of naturalized players is spread across the squad, with the exception of the goalkeeper position.

Emirati readiness is underscored by the fact that the team has recovered from injuries to key players such as Majed Hassan and Yahya Nader, who were sidelined during the September camp and warm-up matches, adding to a sense of optimism in the camp.

The UAE’s forward line is led by Kai Lucas, while midfielders include Yahya Al-Ghasani, Fabio Lima, and Nicolas Jimenez, with a structure that aims to balance defensive solidity and attacking intent.

In contrast, Oman, coached by Carlos Queiroz, received a heavy blow as one of its top talents, Jamil Al-Yahmadi, is out for a prolonged spell after picking up an injury in the recent friendly against Qatar, forcing him to miss the decisive fixture against the UAE. The injury keeps him away for an estimated 10 to 12 months, a setback that could affect Oman’s offensive thrust and overall balance.

Queiroz noted in a post announcing the setback that the injury occurred in the 28th minute of the qualifier against Qatar, when an aggressive challenge went unpunished by the match official, a decision he said had lasting consequences for his side’s campaign. He also lamented that technology did not correct the decision, which he described as a tough blow to one of Oman’s best players as the team eyes a crucial phase of the campaign.

Investment in the results The negative result in the first leg, a goalless draw against Qatar, has sharpened UAE’s aspirations for a strong start in the playoff, which features six teams divided into two groups. Group A comprises Qatar, Oman, and the UAE, while Group B includes Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Indonesia. The format is a single round-robin within each group, with the group winner advancing automatically to the World Cup finals in 2026, and the runners-up contesting a two-legged playoff for a spot in the global world playoff.

Starting lineups — expectations

The UAE are expected to line up with Khaled Essa in goal, a back four featuring Erik De Menezes, Kwame Kwido, Lucas Pimenta, and Marcus Milone, with Abdul Rahman Ramadan and Yahya Nader in midfield alongside Yahya Al-Ghasani, Fabio Lima, and Nicolas Jimenez aiding a forward trio led by Kai Lucas.

Oman’s likely XI includes Ibrahim Al-Mukhaini in goal, a defense of Thani Al-Rashidi, Amjad Al-Harthi, Khalid Al-Breeky, and Ali Al-Busaidi; in midfield Ganem Al-Habashi, Abdullah Fawaz, Arshid Al-Alwi, and Abdulrahman Al-Mishifri, with Isa Al-Soabi and Salah Al-Yahyaei up front.

Scheduling notes The AFC has adjusted a few kickoff times, but the UAE–Oman fixture has been confirmed for 9:15 PM local time (UAE) at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, allowing fans across the Gulf to tune in for a high-stakes duel.

Referee crew The match will be overseen by a refereeing team from Australia led by veteran official Ali Reza Faghani, with assistants George Lacriendis and James Liidensi, fourth official Daniel Hadar, and VAR Shon Evans, with Alexander King assisting VAR. Faghani, 47, works a municipal job in Australia and has Iranian roots, having been on FIFA’s international list since 2008. He has previously officiated major finals, including the AFC Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup finals, among others in continental and global competitions, and has experience across the 2017 Confederations Cup, and World Cups in 2018 and 2022, as well as multiple AFC Asian Cups and other high-profile events.

In summary, the tie promises intensity as two Middle Eastern nations pursue a spot in the global playoff ladder, with the backdrop of a stadium in Doha and a referee crew with a long résumé in the sport’s biggest stages.