After the latest results in the World Cup 2026 qualifying round, significant changes have begun in the UAE national team. Following the match against North Korea, head coach Paulo Bento resigned, and the team is currently officially without a head coach.
However, according to various local and international sources, the UAE Football Federation is expected to announce a new coach in the coming hours. The discussion is about the Romanian specialist — Kosmin Olariu.
Kosmin Olariu — an experienced figure in Arab football
55-year-old Olariu is no stranger to Arab football. Throughout his career, he has worked with the following teams:
- Saudi Arabia national team
- “Al Hilal”, “Al Ain”, “Shabab Al Ahli”
- Currently — head coach of UAE's “Sharjah” club
It has been clarified that the issue of terminating the contract with Sharjah club is also being resolved following his appointment as head coach.
UAE national team status: stages and opponents
In Group "A" of the WC 2026 qualifiers, the UAE is currently in 3rd place with 13 points after 8 matches. The upcoming decisive matches for the team are:
- June 5 — at home against Uzbekistan.
- Final round — away to Kyrgyz Republic.
These matches could determine whether the team advances to the next stage or remains out.
