United Arab Emirates national football team

History

The first match of the team was played on 17 March 1972 against Qatar at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium and won with the only goal scored by Ahmed Chowbi. Then, the team faced three other Arabian countries, losing 4–0 and 7–0 to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait respectively and beating Bahrain 3 to nothing. After participating in four Gulf Cup tournaments since 1972, United Arab Emirates (UAE) hosted the 1982 edition. It again finished third as did in the two previous tournaments.

In 1980, United Arab Emirates first-time qualified for the AFC Asian Cup which was held in Kuwait and were drawn with eventual winners, Kuwait, runner-up South Korea, Malaysia and Qatar in Group B. It drew 1–1 with Kuwait and lost the three other matches and finished in fifth place in the group and ninth (out of ten teams) overall. It also qualified for the next two tournaments, 1984 in Singapore and 1988 in Qatar and was again eliminated in the group stages in both. Its first victory of the tournament occurred against India on 7 December 1984, under manager Heshmat Mohajerani.

In 1984, Mohajerani resigned and was replaced with Carlos Alberto Parreira. Parreira led the team at the 1988 Asian Cup and left his position after the tournament. He was succeeded by Mário Zagallo. Zagallo led the team to the qualification for the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. However, Zagallo resigned before the tournament and Parreira returned. The team finished fourth at the 1990 World Cup's final tournament with no points, scoring two goals and conceding 11 goals. The journey was put into a 2016 documentary titled Lights of Rome. After the tournament, Parreira was sacked.

At the 1992 and 1996 AFC Asian Cups, United Arab Emirates finished fourth and runners-up respectively for the first times. United Arab Emirates appeared in the 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup after being awarded a spot because Saudi Arabia was hosting the games.

United Arab Emirates missed the qualification for the 2000 AFC Asian Cup in Lebanon and finished in last place at the 2002 Arabian Gulf Cup in Saudi Arabia. It was eliminated in the next three Asian Cup tournaments at the group stage. In 2004 and 2007 editions, UAE was all eliminated by the hand to debutants Jordan and Vietnam. In 2011, it finished the tournament goalless. At this time, United Arab Emirates appointed world class coaches like Carlos Queiroz, Roy Hodgson and Dick Advocaat. In 2006, UAE appointed Bruno Metsu as the new manager. He led the Emirates to carry the 2007 Arabian Gulf Cup title.

After hiring foreign coaches, in 2012, United Arab Emirates appointed the Olympic team coach Mahdi Ali as the manager of the senior team. Ali began creating a squad inviting players that he had worked with at the youth level. He led the Emirates to their second Arabian Gulf Cup title in 2013.

At the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, United Arab Emirates defeated Qatar 4–1 and Bahrain 2–1 but lost to Iran by a goal. As group runners-up, it faced the defending champions Japan in the quarter-final and earned a victory on penalties to advance to the last four. In the semi-finals, United Arab Emirates lost 2–0 to the host Australia. In the third-place play-off, United Arab Emirates defeated Iraq 3–2. United Arab Emirates qualified through the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification where it finished fourth in Group B thus failing to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Ahmed Khalil was a top scorer in the qualification. Around this time Mahdi Ali resigned from his position.

United Arab Emirates then hosted the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, this marked the second time they hosted an AFC Asian Cup. The team had Italian Alberto Zaccheroni as their coach. In the AFC Asian Cup tournament, UAE proceeded to the quarter-finals where it scored its first-ever goal against Australia to gain its first-ever win against this opponent. The semi-finals was between the host and Qatar. Some audiences threw footwear in the pitch after Qatar scored its second goal. UAE lost 0–4 marking its first defeat to Qatar since 2001.

United Arab Emirates joined the second round of 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and was placed with all-out Southeast Asian opponents. The team had already appointed the Dutch guider Bert van Marwijk. Bert was sacked after his start undergoing two away losses to Thailand and Vietnam in the qualifiers along his group stage exit in the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup. After this, the Emirates decided to naturalize Argentine Sebastián Tagliabúe, Brazilian Caio Canedo Corrêa and Fábio Virginio de Lima, the three South American players, having never done so since the foundation of the national team. The team then experienced a period of coaching instabilities, with three different coaches, before van Marwijk resumed his duty due to crisis in option. With the COVID-19 pandemic however, the AFC decided the remaining games of the second round would be played in one country, and with the UAE chosen to host Group G, they were able to utilize the home-field advantage as the host nation, ultimately u-turned the earlier misery into four consecutive wins to break through into the third round, where they faced its neighbours and the powerhouses Iran and South Korea. In the third round, the UAE failed to produce a promising performance after winning just one out of six first games, a 1–0 away win over Lebanon, drew three and lost two, adding with the UAE's below average performance in the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup despite reaching the quarter-finals, that was enough to sack the Dutch manager van Marwijk yet again. After inconsistency in performance, the UAE appointed Argentine manager Rodolfo Arruabarrena as coach, and the team's result improved, winning two out of four games, notably an impressive 1–0 home win over already-qualified South Korea, to reach the fourth round, increased hope for the country to qualify for the first-ever World Cup since 1990, where they would face the old foe Australia, whom the UAE defeated in the latest meeting. However, the UAE was unable to utilise their geographical advantage in the playoff in neighbouring Qatar, losing 1–2 to Australia by a thunderous strike at 84' by Ajdin Hrustic and by mistake of Ali Salmeen to deny the UAE's its potential second appearance; they later stunned South America's rising power Peru to qualify for the edition.

Rivalries

UAE's common rivals are Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Iran.

Qatar

Main article: Qatar–United Arab Emirates football rivalry

The rivalry with Qatar is a competitive one in the Arabian Gulf Cup meeting on multiple occasions. Due to the Qatar diplomatic crisis, increasing tensions had been witnessed, with the captain of UAE under-19 youth team refused to shake hands with Qatar's youth captain in 2018 AFC U-19 Championship held in Indonesia; in this tournament, the UAE beat Qatar 2–1 but still crashed out from the group stage while Qatar would recover to qualify for the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup. As of 2020, Qatar and UAE have played 31 official matches, most of which was held competitively in the Arabian Gulf Cup, it started off with the United Arab Emirates beating Qatar 1–0. They only played 2 friendly games and the last friendly was held in 2011 which ended with an Emirati victory.

In the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, hosted by the UAE, Qatar overran the UAE for the first time since 2001 with the result 4–0, with heavy tensions and violence occurred between two and Emirati supporters cheering anti-Qatari chants. In the year prior to the 2026 World Cup qualification fourth round, the UAE achieved notable victories over Qatar, demonstrating a shift in momentum in their rivalry. On 5 September 2024, the UAE defeated Qatar 3–1 in Doha during the third round of World Cup qualifiers, overturning an early goal by Qatar to secure a comeback win with goals from Harib Suhail, Khalid Al Dhanhani, and Ali Saleh. Later, on 19 November 2024, the UAE delivered a historic 5–0 victory against Qatar in Abu Dhabi, marking their largest win over Qatar in history. Fabio Lima starred in the match with four goals, complemented by Yahya Al Ghassani’s strike, showcasing a dominant performance that boosted the UAE’s standing in the qualification group.

During the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification fourth round fixture between the two nations, riots broke out as Emirati fans invaded the pitch while throwing plastic bottles and footwear, as a result of a clear refereeing injustice throughout the match, after Qatar scored a goal. With Sultan Adel scoring late for the UAE, Qatar would win the match 2–1 and secure a qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup while the UAE would qualify for the fifth round instead. The match also sparked significant controversy regarding the officiating, as the decisive match was stopped 92 times with numerous decisions by the referee and the match’s time wasting, which the actual playing time was 48 minutes out of 109, were widely criticized by Emirati fans, analysts, and media outlets. Observers highlighted several instances where fouls and potential penalty situations in favor of the UAE were not awarded, including a crucial corner kick that was ignored. Conversely, minor infractions by UAE players were frequently called as fouls, and several yellow cards were issued without clear justification. Additionally, physical challenges and aggressive behavior by Qatari players against Emirati players were perceived to go unpunished, further fueling claims of biased officiating. Critics also questioned the neutrality of the venue, noting that the match was played in conditions perceived as favoring Qatar. The cumulative effect of these issues, along with the inconsistent management of added time, led to heightened tensions among fans and ultimately contributed to the pitch invasions and violent reactions following Qatar’s goals. While no formal protest was lodged with FIFA or the AFC, the perceived lack of fairness became a central talking point in the aftermath of the game.

Saudi Arabia

Another major rival the UAE takes on Arabian Gulf Cup many times, the two teams have met in the AFC Asian Cup twice, first in the semi-finals of the 1992 edition which ended in a Saudi victory and second in the final of the 1996 edition in which UAE hosted, the game ended in a goalless draw which meant the game had to be decided in penalties, the game ended with Saudi Arabia taking home their 3rd title with the penalty scoreline being 4–2, this remains the only time the Emirates qualified for the final meanwhile this would also be the last time the Saudis would win an Asian Cup as they would lose the next two finals they qualified for in 2000 and 2007. When the countries meet in qualifier matches, the matchup has been nicknamed "clash of titans" as both countries have been some of the more successful teams in the Arabian Peninsula.

Team image

Kit

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

2025

• Azmoun
• Mohebi
• Yu-song
• Lima
• Adil
• Merk
• Abdalla
• Camarda
• Al-Ghassani
• Caio Lucas
• Bruno
• Ivković
• Al-Ghassani
• Gastón Suárez
• Al Salkhadi
• Luanzinho
• Meloni
• Caio
• Autonne
• Khoukhi
• Pedro Miguel
• Adil
• Luanzinho
• Al-Hamadi
• Ali
• Al-Ammari
• Caio Lucas
• Olwan
• Al-Naimat
• Bruno
• Lucas
• Hamdy
• Al-Ghassani
• Giménez
• Al Hajeri
• Boulbina
• Brahimi
• Benzia
• Mrezigue
• Ounas
• Boulbina
• Halaïmia
• Draoui
• Khacef
• Bruno
• Lucas
• Meloni
• Saleh
• Pimenta
• Faiz
• Adil
• Autonne
• Akonnor
• El Berkaoui
• El Mahdioui
• Hamadallah

Current staff

Main article: List of United Arab Emirates national football team managers

Last Update: April 2025

Players

Current squad

The following 23 players were called up for the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup in December 2025.

Caps and goals correct as of 15 December 2025, after the match against Morocco.

Recent call-ups

The following players have also been called up to the squad within the last 12 months. PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE SUS Suspended

INJ Withdrew from the squad due to an injury

PRE Preliminary squad

RET Retired from international association football

List of UAE Squads

FIFA World Cup

• 1990 World Cup squad

FIFA Arab Cup

• 2021 FIFA Arab Cup Squad

• 2025 FIFA Arab Cup Squad

Confederations Cup

• 1997 Confederations Cup squad

AFC Asian Cup

• 1980 Asian Cup squad
• 1984 Asian Cup squad
• 1988 Asian Cup squad
• 1992 Asian Cup squad
• 1996 Asian Cup squad
• 2004 Asian Cup squad
• 2007 Asian Cup squad
• 2011 Asian Cup squad
• 2015 Asian Cup squad
• 2019 Asian Cup squad
• 2023 Asian Cup squad

AFC Asian Qualifiers

• 2022 AFC Asian Qualifiers

Player records

|- | 2 ||align=left| Ismail Matar || 136 || 36 || 2003–2021 |- | 3 ||align=left| Subait Khater || 120 || 11 || 1999–2011

Top goalscorers

Competitive record

Champion Runners-up Third place

FIFA World Cup

Main article: United Arab Emirates at the FIFA World Cup

AFC Asian Cup

Main article: United Arab Emirates at the AFC Asian Cup

FIFA Confederations Cup

Asian Games

West Asian Football Federation Championship

Gulf Cup

FIFA Arab Cup

Arab Games

Other Tournaments

Head-to-head record

As of 15 December 2025

Honours

Continental

• AFC Asian Cup
  • Runners-up (1): 1996
  • Third place (1): 2015
• OCA Asian Games
  • **** Runners-up (1): 2010
  • Third place (1): 2018

Regional

• FIFA Arab Cup****1
  • Third place (1): 2025
• AGCFF Arabian Gulf Cup
  • Champions (2): 2007, 2013
  • Runners-up (4): 1986, 1988, 1994, 2017–18

Friendly

• UAEFA Friendship Tournament
  • ** Champions (3)**: 1996, 1998, 2000
  • Runners-up (1): 1999
  • Third place (1): 2001
• OFA Oman Cup
  • ** Champions (1)**: 2000
• JFA Kirin Cup
  • ** Champions (1)**: 2005
• LG Electronics Cup
  • ** Champions (1)**: 2000
• SAFF OSN Cup
  • ** Champions (1)**: 2013

Summary

Only official honours are included, according to FIFA statutes (competitions organized/recognized by FIFA or an affiliated confederation).

;Notes

1. Official subregional competition organized and recognized by FIFA since 2021. Previous editions were organized by UAFA.

Achievements

Continental

• AFC Asian Cup
  • Team of the Tournament (4): 2015 (Omar Abdulrahman, Ali Mabkhout), 2019 (Ali Mabkhout, Bandar Al-Ahbabi)
  • Top Scorer (1): 2015 (Ali Mabkhout)

Inclusion of naturalized players

In recent years, particularly after 2019, the United Arab Emirates began granting citizenship to football players on a wider scale, following a model seen in countries such as France and Qatar and benefiting from FIFA's more relaxed eligibility criteria. Prior to this period, the presence of naturalized players in the Emirati national setup had been relatively rare, with Ismael Ahmed being a notable exception. The pace of naturalization subsequently increased, largely on the basis of the five-year residency requirement. Among the first high-profile cases were Sebastián Tagliabué of Al Wahda, and Fábio Lima of Al Wasl and Caio Canedo of Al Ain, who all received Emirati citizenship in early 2020. By March 2025, the national team had included twelve naturalized players in its squad.

Notes

References

References

1. (30 November 2016). "UAE's 1990 World Cup journey now a documentary". Gulf News.
2. (28 March 2018). "Mahdi Ali resigns as UAE's World Cup ends with a defeat". The National.
3. (25 January 2019). "Australia out of Asian Cup as UAE pounce on Milos Degenek error".
4. "AFC Asian Cup: UAE-Qatar match tickets sell like hot cakes". Khaleej Times.
5. (5 December 2019). "UAE fires coach Van Marwijk after Qatar defeat". euronews.
6. "Why foreign footballers are getting UAE passports". gulfnews.
7. (2021-03-12). "AFC confirm hub venues for 2022 World Cup qualifiers".
8. (2021-03-12). "AFC announces centralized World Cup and Asian Cup qualifiers with Arab nations hosting five groups".
9. McAuley, John. (2021-06-15). "UAE advance to 2022 World Cup qualification third round after crucial win over Vietnam".
10. "Group A: UAE beat Lebanon for first win".
11. (11 December 2021). "UAE crash out of Fifa Arab Cup with 5-0 quarter-final defeat in Qatar".
12. (12 February 2022). "Dutchman van Marwijk fired as UAE coach for second time". Reuters.
13. (30 March 2022). "Football: UAE stun South Korea to earn World Cup playoff with Australia | the Straits Times". The Straits Times.
14. (7 June 2022). "United Arab Emirates 1-2 Australia: World Cup 2022 qualifying playoff – as it happened".
15. Dorsey, James M.. (29 July 2013). "Gulf rivalry between Iran, UAE transferred to the football pitch". Hurriyet Daily.
16. (18 October 2018). "Political tension spills on the pitch between UAE and Qatar in AFC U19". foxnews.
17. (27 January 2019). "UAE fans throw shoes and bottles at "Qatari" players".
18. "UAE beat Qatar 3-1 in 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier".
19. E247. (2024-11-19). "Historic Victory: UAE Thrashes Qatar 5-0 in World Cup Qualifiers - Sports - FootBall - Emirates24{{!}}7".
20. (16 October 2025). "UAE Face Possible FIFA Sanctions After Crowd Violence in Qatar World Cup Qualifier". Arabtimes.
21. (16 October 2025). "Riot-Like Scenes in Doha After Fans Invade Pitch As Qatar Qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup". News18.
22. "Qatar vs UAE (10/14) - Match Report".
23. iksan.mahar@kompas.com, Muhammad Ikhsan Mahar-. (2025-06-13). "Official, AFC Appoints Qatar and Saudi Arabia as Hosts of the Fourth Round of 2026 World Cup Qualifications".
24. Shouk, Ali Al. "UAE football fans defiant after World Cup heartache in Doha".
25. Duerden, John. (2025-10-07). "How did Qatar and Saudi Arabia get home advantage and more rest than rivals in World Cup qualifiers?". The Guardian.
26. (November 2018). "UAE take on Saudi Arabia in clash of titans".
27. "old united arab emirates football shirts". oldfootballshirts.
28. (15 Oct 2012). "Asian Football Confederation apologize for calling UAE national team 'Sand Monkeys'".
29. (6 March 2025). "North Korea v UAE to be held in Riyadh".
30. (18 December 2025). "UAE vs Saudi Arabia match canceled due to heavy rain".
31. [https://gulfnews.com/sport/football/cosmin-olaroiu-takes-uae-reins-with-world-cup-dream-in-sight-1.500099872 Officials]
32. (24 November 2025). "Our squad for FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025". UAE National Team.
33. Roberto Mamrud; Karel Stokkermans. "United Arab Emirates – Record International Players".
34. (5 January 2019). "World Football Elo Ratings: United Arab Emirates". Eloratings.net.
35. "Oman International Tournament 2000".
36. "Friendship Tournament 2000 (UAE)".
37. "تصفيات مونديال 2026: الامارات تلجأ الى التجنيس".