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3h ago

UAE Chase World Cup Berths in Football and Cricket as Doha Play-Off Opens

Qatar’s hosting, coupled with a longer recovery window, has drawn complaints from rivals as the UAE prepare in Doha.

Soccer Football - World Cup - AFC Qualifiers - Group A - Qatar v Afghanistan - Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Qatar - November 16, 2023 Qatar coach Carlos Queiroz before the match REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari
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Overview

  • A three-team group in Doha featuring Oman, Qatar and the UAE will send its winner straight to the 2026 World Cup, with the runner-up entering further play-offs in November.
  • All matches are at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium: Oman face Qatar on October 8, the UAE meet Oman on October 11, and Qatar play the UAE on October 14.
  • The AFC’s decision to stage the mini-groups in Qatar and Saudi Arabia gives the hosts home advantage and six days between games, while opponents play again within 72 hours, prompting objections reported by the Guardian.
  • The UAE FA’s “Dream of a Nation” drive includes charter flights, free tickets, coordinated land-border entry and an online booking system to boost support in Doha.
  • At the same time in Muscat, the UAE cricket team begin a nine-team T20 qualifier that advances three sides after a Super Six phase, opening against Qatar on October 8 before Malaysia on October 10.