In the 9th round match of the 3rd qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup, the UAE and Uzbekistan national teams will clash on June 5 in Abu Dhabi. This match is crucial for both teams. While a victory is essential for the UAE team, a draw could also be a result that might lead Uzbekistan to the World Cup.
On the eve of this confrontation, it is expected that the Romanian head coach of the UAE national team, Cosmin Olariu, will make several changes to the starting lineup. Arab analysts have announced his probable main lineup.
New plan: a blend of experience and talent
It is reported that Olariu is trying to combine moderately experienced and young talented players in the starting lineup. Fans and experts especially expect the 32-year-old central midfielder Majed Hassan to play a decisive role in the team's center.
The anticipated lineup is as follows:
• Goalkeeper: Khalid Eisa — the experienced goalkeeper will again perform the main task in the last line of defense.
• Defenders: Khalifa Al Hammadi, Lukas Pimenta, Khalid Al Danani, and Alaa Eldin Zuhair — will form the team's four-man defense line. Pimenta and Al Danani are expected to maintain the intensity of the game.
• Midfield: Majed Hassan, Yahya Nadir, Abdullah Ramadan — this trio is expected to ensure the team's pace and ball control. Special attention is on the figure in the center — Majed Hassan.
• Attack: Ali Solih, Luan Pereira, and Kayo Lukas — this trio in the attacking line can keep the opponent's defense under pressure.
Bench options
Cosmin Olariu has also brought along several high-potential substitute players besides the main lineup. Among them are players like Sasha Ivkovich, Kuame Kuadio, Markus Meloni, Yahya Al G'assoni, Harib Abdullah, and Fabio Lima.
If there is a need to strengthen the attack or change the style of play during the game, the actions of these players could be crucial.
Conclusion: UAE is maximizing its resources
On the eve of the important match against Uzbekistan, the UAE coaching staff is testing all its options in the squad. Cosmin Olariu's strategic decisions and the performance of experienced players like Majed Hassan could determine the outcome of this confrontation.
The clash on June 5 at the "Al-Nahyan" stadium will be a battle not only for points but also for a place in history. Therefore, it is essential for every player to give their maximum effort on the field.
