Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
After a four-month gap, the UAE will restart their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with an added impetus of fresh faces through a quartet of naturalised players for their remaining two away games in Group A.
The UAE are placed third in the group and take on leaders Iran in Tehran on March 20 before finishing the stage five days later against North Korea at the neutral venue in Riyadh. The fourth round of the Asian qualifying carries automatic qualification for the top two group finishers while the best third-placed team from three groups goes into a play-off in the fifth and final round.
While the team players went back to domestic duties, the UAE Football Association has worked on giving passports to four players who have done well for the local clubs and are now part of Paulo Bento's side – Caio Lucas and Luan Pereira from Sharjah, Jonatas Santos (Al Wasl), and Al Wahda's Alaa El-Din Zuhair – in a 27-man squad that will be trimmed down before The Whites' match at the Azadi Stadium.
Their presence is expected to inject fresh energy into all areas of the team. Additionally, key returns to the squad include Sharjah goalkeeper Khalid Tawhid and Shabab Al Ahli striker Sultan Adel, both recovering from long-term injuries. Al Jazira's Abdullah Ramadan also makes his comeback to Bento's options.
Among the standout additions is Brazilian-born forward Caio Lucas, whose long-awaited inclusion could be a game-changer for the UAE's attacking strategy.
With Al Abyad struggling to convert chances in previous qualifiers, Lucas' clinical finishing and creativity are seen as vital assets. His track record speaks volumes: 20 goals and seven assists in 30 matches for Sharjah this season, over half of his club's goals.
Lucas, who initially joined Al Ain in 2016 before stints with Benfica and Sharjah, has built a reputation as a versatile forward with a sharp eye for goal. His recent performances in the AFC Champions League and domestic competitions underline his ability to deliver under pressure.
"This is an opportunity I have long awaited," Lucas told Telecom Asia Sport. "The UAE has been my home for years, and I want to give back by helping the team in any way I can. I will do everything to make a difference in these crucial matches."
Brazilian winger Jontas de Santos, 23, joined Al Ain in January 2020. He was loaned to Al Wasl this season, where he has been performing brilliantly.
Tunisian-Emirati defender Zouhair, 25, joined Al Wahda in January 2020 and is a regular in the starting line-up. Known for his strong defensive performances and ability to contribute goals from set-pieces, Zouhair has established himself as a key asset at the back. He can address the defensive gaps that have cost the national team crucial late goals in recent matches.
With 10 points from six matches, the UAE trail second-placed Uzbekistan by three points and hold a three-point lead over Qatar, making these upcoming fixtures decisive to push into the top two. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan suffered a slight blow in January with their manager and former UAE coach Srecko Katanec asking to end his contract due to unspecified health issues.
Iran, sitting comfortably at the top with 16 points, poses a formidable challenge. The UAE did well in the first leg and were only undone by a late goal so they will be determined to avenge their 1-0 loss.
Brazilian-born midfielder Luan Pereira, 24, has been with Sharjah for five seasons. In the 2024-2025 season, Pereira has 31 appearances so far, scoring nine goals and providing nine assists, further cementing his reputation as a key playmaker.
With the stakes higher than ever, Paulo Bento's men must deliver a performance worthy of their ambitions.
