Zlatko Dalic is set to embark on his first major challenge as head coach of the UAE football team, as the squad faces Yemen in the opening match of the 27th Gulf Cup this Thursday. Hosted in Jeddah from September 23 to October 6, the tournament features eight competing nations split into two groups. Group B includes the UAE, Yemen, Qatar, and Bahrain, while Group A comprises Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and Kuwait. The top two finishers from each group will advance to the semi-final stage.
Dalic, who took over the role two months ago, replaces Cosmin Olaroiu. His appointment follows a lengthy nine-year tenure with Croatia, during which he led the team to the 2018 World Cup final, a third-place finish in 2022, and the 2023 Nations League final. Dalic stepped down from the Croatian position after their 2026 World Cup campaign concluded with a 2-1 defeat by Portugal in the round of 32.
Seeking their third Gulf Cup title, the UAE enters the competition with a storied history. Since first appearing in the 1972 second edition, the team has reached the final six times, securing championship wins in 2007 and 2013, alongside four runner-up finishes. Ahead of the opener, Dalic expressed his commitment to a strong performance, noting, “We know our objectives and we are not putting ourselves under any kind of pressure. We have been working on each and every detail in the last few days to bring the team to the optimum level.”
Emphasizing the importance of group cohesion, the coach added, “I am very happy with our group and the most important thing is to play with confidence, stand together as one team and deliver a performance to live up to the expectations of our fans.” Looking beyond the Gulf Cup, the UAE is preparing for Group E competition in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, where they are set to meet South Korea, Vietnam, and Yemen.
Team member Sultan Adil echoed his coach’s sentiment regarding the squad’s readiness. “Our preparation has been strong and we are ready for the tournament and coach’s game plan,” Adil said. “We understand the importance of the tournament and we will take it step-by-step, that is one match at a time to achieve our goal.” He further credited the squad’s progress to the guidance of the technical staff and the mentorship of veteran player Ismail Matar.
Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Football Association, expressed his firm belief in the national team’s new technical leadership. He underscored that competing in the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup is a vital opportunity to bolster the squad’s capabilities and experience. Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the association’s long-standing commitment to the tournament, whether through active participation or hosting duties.
Reiterating the social and sporting value of the event, Sheikh Hamdan called for a collective effort to ensure the tournament’s success. He stressed, “Support from the public and the media is essential, as they are key motivators in football and indispensable to the sport.” He concluded by encouraging the players to remain focused, assuring them that the nation is united in its support for the team’s journey in this cherished regional competition. The report also notes that mohammad Abdullah, Senior Sports Reporter. The report also notes that with eight teams divided into two groups, gulf Cup 27 is being held in Jeddah from Sept.23 to Oct.6. The report also notes that we are confident that everyone will rally behind the team and provide the necessary support.
