Arab national teams

Zlatko: Qualifying for the 2030 World Cup is the UAE’s goal

Kora W Goal editorial team13 November 2026 at 03:441 Minute

Image accompanying the source article about Zlatko saying the UAE’s goal is qualification for the 2030 World Cup and that the Asian Cup postponement gives the team an extra year to prepare

UAE coach Zlatko Dalic said his main goal is to lead the Whites to qualification for the 2030 World Cup, and that he aims to apply the approach he used with Croatia. He explained that the postponement of the 2027 Asian Cup has given the coaching staff extra time to prepare and develop the team.

Dalic said the two friendlies against Honduras and Syria give the coaching staff an opportunity to assess players and try out tactical ideas, while aiming to win and improve the team’s ranking. He also revealed that Yahya Al Ghassani, Mohammed Jumaa Al Mansoori, Kwame Queido and Yousuf Al Marzooqi had been called up, stressing that selection is based on players’ performances with their clubs, in training and in matches.

He said the absences of Guilherme Bala, Yuri Cesar and Caio Lucas give others an opportunity to prove their abilities. He spoke about the loss in the 27 Gulf Cup final against Saudi Arabia, noting that mistakes early in the match contributed to conceding two goals, and that he takes responsibility for the results. He called on the players, fans and media to continue working and offering support in the coming period.