UAE vs Uzbekistan: High-stakes debut for Cosmin Olaroiu

Dubai: Cosmin Olaroiu strides into the Al Nahyan Stadium on Thursday knowing he has no time to ease in. Appointed just weeks ago and thrust into a must-win World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan, the Romanian’s UAE tenure begins under the weight of expectation — and with a ticket to North America hanging in the balance.

The former Sharjah boss returns to familiar surroundings and has tasted success in the past during his stint with Al Ain and Shabab Al Ahli, but there’s little room for sentiment. Victory over Group A rivals Uzbekistan would cut the gap between the two teams to just one point, keeping UAE’s hopes of automatic qualification for the 2026 Fifa World Cup alive heading into the final round of group fixtures.

Olaroiu was unveiled in April as the replacement for Paulo Bento, who was dismissed just hours after a dramatic 2-1 win over North Korea last time out. That result, secured by Sultan Adil’s stoppage-time strike, kept the UAE in contention, but left them with no margin for error.

The 55-year-old is no stranger to Gulf football, having previously coached Saudi club Al Hilal and Qatar’s Al Sadd before enjoying title success in China with Jiangsu Suning in 2020. His return to the UAE national team set-up — on a two-year contract — comes after guiding Sharjah to the AFC Champions League Two final last month.

Thursday’s clash marks his first outing with the national team, and his side will follow it up with a trip to Kyrgyzstan on June 11. But it is Uzbekistan, coached by Timur Kapadze, who hold all the cards. Sitting four points ahead of UAE with two games remaining, they need only avoid defeat in Abu Dhabi to confirm their first-ever appearance at the World Cup finals.

Iran have already qualified from Group A, leaving Uzbekistan and the UAE in a straight fight for the second automatic spot. The top two teams from each of the three Asian groups book direct entry to the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, while third and fourth-placed teams enter another qualifying round. Qatar, out of the running for an automatic spot, need strong results to stay in contention via the next qualifying round under new coach Julen Lopetegui.

Uzbekistan, who have looked composed throughout their campaign, are determined not to stumble now. A win or draw in the UAE capital would seal their place and spark celebrations in Tashkent. But defeat would open the door for a tense final day next week.

The UAE, seeking a return to the World Cup for the first time since their debut in 1990, know what’s at stake. And so does their new coach.

In the other matches, South Korea are on the verge of qualifying, needing just a point against Iraq on Thursday to confirm their spot alongside already-qualified Japan and Iran. Even a defeat would leave them with a second chance at home to Kuwait next week.

Spurs captain Son Heung-min, fresh from winning the Europa League, and PSG’s Champions League winner Lee Kang-in headline the squad, though coach Hong Myung-bo has hinted he may use Son sparingly due to recent form and fitness concerns. Iraq, now coached by ex-Australia boss Graham Arnold, are expected to pose a stern challenge in Basra.

Elsewhere in Asia, Australia can clinch qualification from Group C with a win over Japan in Perth, provided Saudi Arabia drop points against Bahrain. That group could be decided in a blockbuster final-day clash between the Socceroos and Saudis. Indonesia remain in the mix but must beat China to stay alive, while China sit bottom of the group.