The 2026-2027 UAE Pro League season officially kicks off this Friday, with Al Nasr preparing to host Ittihad Kalba at Al Maktoum Stadium. This opening day features two matches, with the second contest seeing Al Wahda take on Ajman at 8:45pm at Al Nahyan Stadium. These fixtures mark the beginning of a new campaign for all four clubs involved.
Senior sports reporter Mohammad Abdullah, who extensively covers major global sporting events including the FIFA World Cup, Cricket World Cup, and Formula One, notes that Al Nasr finished the previous season in sixth place, five spots above their upcoming opponents, Ittihad Kalba. Both teams are eager to secure a fresh start and claim their first three points of the new season.
Al Nasr head coach Milos Milojevic confirmed his squad is prepared to begin their campaign on a positive note. He emphasized the importance of the home advantage, stating, “The opening match is always challenging, but our objective is to secure all three points and deliver a strong performance in front of our fans at home.” Milojevic added that the team’s pre-season training camp in Austria, which featured four friendly matches, was vital for improving fitness and overall performance.
Al Nasr goalkeeper Ahmed Shambieh echoed the coach’s sentiments regarding the team’s collective determination. “We are aiming for a better and different season, taking it one game at a time as we work towards achieving our ambitions,” Shambieh said. The club is focused on turning their positive pre-season preparations into a strong, winning start in the league.
Meanwhile, Ittihad Kalba has entered the new season with a revamped squad, aiming to launch a serious challenge for the title. The club recently signed left-back Alejandro Vergaz, a move designed to strengthen the team and provide the coaching staff with more tactical options. The club officially wished Vergaz the best for his commitment, expressing hope that he will make a valuable contribution to help the team achieve its goals this season.
In addition to Vergaz, Kalba has bolstered their defensive line by signing French defender Ibrahim Cisse for one season. This acquisition is a strategic move to address the team’s defensive vulnerabilities, as Kalba has historically struggled with leaking too many goals. Cisse is expected to play a vital role in stabilizing the backline throughout the upcoming campaign.
In the other opening-day fixture, Al Wahda is looking to build on their momentum against Ajman. Al Wahda coach Pericles Chamusca expressed confidence in his squad, noting that the team is actively making efforts to develop a strong, competitive unit. “I am very happy with what players showed during our pre-season camp in Germany and I have a great trust in players. We are looking forward to starting on a winning note and building success gradually,” Chamusca stated.
Al Wahda enters the season with high confidence following their success in the ADIB Cup, where they defeated league champions Al Ain. This trophy-less season for their opponents, Ajman, who finished seventh last year, contrasts with Al Wahda’s recent success. Al Wahda player Alaa Zuhair also expressed his confidence in the squad’s ability to perform well in their opening match.
As the league gets underway, the focus remains on whether these tactical reinforcements and pre-season preparations will translate into immediate success on the pitch. With both Al Nasr and Al Wahda aiming for strong starts, the opening round of the UAE Pro League promises to set the tone for the competitive months ahead.
