Qatar vs UAE Predicted lineup, betting tips, odds, injury news, H2H, telecast | 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

The Maroons were the host of the 2022 World Cup.

Reigning Asian champions Qatar will welcome United Arab Emirates (UAE) to begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup third-round qualifiers. The Maroons topped their group with five wins and a draw to accumulate 16 points in six games against Kuwait, India and Afghanistan during the second round. They played out a 0-0 draw against Afghanistan before sealing a 2-1 win over India the last time they were in action.

UAE on the other hand emerged as the winners of Group H and managed to get 16 points with five wins and a draw against Bahrain, Yemen and Nepal in the second round. Al Abyad demolished Nepal 4-0 before playing out a 1-1 draw against Bahrain back in June. Both teams will be keen to start the third round on the front foot.

Kick Off

Thursday, September 5, 9:30 PM IST

Venue: Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar

Form

Qatar (in all competitions): W-D-W-W-W

UAE (in all competitions): D-W-W-W-D

Players to watch 

Akram Afif (Qatar) 

Akram Afif has been a vital cog in leading Qatar to their second back-to-back Asian Cup title and also the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The Maroons’ skipper is one of the most consistent players and is known for his creativity and goal-scoring instincts. Afif has already scored 37 goals for his national team and is his nation’s sixth all-time record goalscorer.

Fabio Lima (UAE)

The Brazil-born winger has shown time and again what he brings to the table. He loves taking a shot from a long range and has an impressive conversion ratio to show for his efforts. Lima’s pace coupled with his finishing abilities make him an unstoppable force. He has scored 12 goals for UAE, including a goal against the Maroons last year.

Match facts

• Qatar are undefeated against UAE in their last four meetings
• The last time these two teams came up against each other, the game ended in a 1-1 draw
• Qatar have won nine out of their 12 games while UAE have won four out of their nine games in 2024

Qatar vs UAE: Betting Tips and Odds

• Tip 1: Qatar to win the game
• Tip 2: Almoez Ali to score anytime
• Tip 3: Both teams to score

Injury & Team News

Both teams are expected to have a fully fit squad available for selection.

Head-to-head

Total Matches played – 31

Qatar wins – 14

UAE wins – 10

Draws – 7

Predicted Line-up 

Qatar (4-3-1-2)

Meeshal (GK); Pedro, Tarek, Lucas, Homam; Jassem, Fatehi, Karim; Afif (C); Ali, Ahmed

UAE (4-2-3-1)

Khalid (GK) (C); Abdulla, Khalifa, Al-Attas, Zayed; Isam, Majid; Yahya, Tahnoon, Lima; Ali

Prediction

The hosts are favourites coming into the game because they are enjoying a better run of form when compared to their opponents. Moreover, they are undefeated against UAE in their last four games.

Prediction: Qatar 2-1 UAE

Telecast Details

NA

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