Overview
- The federation confirmed Cosmin Olaroiu will remain head coach through 2027 and will lead UAE in Doha from Dec. 1–18, drawn with Jordan, Egypt and the Kuwait–Mauritania winner.
- A domestic camp in Dubai is scheduled before Friday’s departure, with the roster expected to mirror recent call-ups with only minor tweaks due to limited preparation time.
- Playmaker Nicolas Gimenez said he has not received an official call-up and is rehabbing a hamstring strain reported by Al Wasl, leaving his availability for Qatar unclear.
- Local analysis underscored recurring individual errors in defense and midfield and urged a comprehensive tactical and psychological review after the decisive loss to Iraq.
- Officiating remained in the spotlight as referee Gil Manzano consulted VAR twice on the same incident to cancel an Al Jazira goal against Al Ain, a rare sequence that drew criticism.