UAE might end their 35-years old longing for a World Cup appearance. As the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifying match is set to kick off against Oman in Doha (kick off 9:15 pm UAE Time), head coach Cosmin Olaroiu is hopeful. He stated his players are highly motivated to reach the dream and hope of the nation.

The team can seal their appearance by winning Group A of the fourth round of the Asian World Cup qualifiers against Oman and Qatar.

Olaroiu said while talking to the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) website, stated, “I am happy that everyone has the same goal and ambition, which is to reach the World Cup,”

“This dream doesn’t just belong to the players, but to an entire nation.”

The game began in Doha with a draw between Oman and Qatar. Now after the draw UAE face Oman on Saturday, walking towards their last game on 14th October.

Needless to say about the rivalry as the top team from the group will have a direct seat for the next year’s World Cup.

The second-placed team will face the Group B runners-up — Saudi Arabia, Iraq, or Indonesia — in a November play-off. The winner of that two-legged tie will then move to the intercontinental play-off for a final World Cup spot.

The UAE, however, are determined to top Group A and secure direct qualification. With the nation behind them, coach Olaroiu says his players are ready to end years of heartbreak. Thousands of UAE fans have already reached Doha, hopeful of witnessing history.

“All members of the UAE football system share the same dream. What we need is confidence and commitment,” stated Olaroiu, the team’s Romanian head coach.

“We have a real chance to reach the World Cup, and we must believe in it and defend it with all our might.”

Since Olaroiu took over from Paulo Bento in April, the UAE have gone unbeaten in four matches.