UAE fight back to beat Oman, edge closer to World Cup spot

Doha: The United Arab Emirates made a late comeback to edge Oman 2 1 in a thrilling World Cup qualifying clash on Saturday, moving closer to sealing a...

Doha: The United Arab Emirates made a late comeback to edge Oman 2-1 in a thrilling World Cup qualifying clash on Saturday, moving closer to sealing a spot in next year’s FIFA World Cup.

UAE fans cheer during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian qualifier football match between United Arab Emirates and Oman at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on October 11, 2025. (Photo by Karim JAAFAR / AFP)

The UAE trailed for most of the match at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium after Oman went ahead through an own goal by Kouame Kouadio in the 12th minute.

Marcus Vinicius Meloni equalised in the 76th minute, before Caio Lucas scored a stunning winner in the 83rd, securing three crucial points in their Group A opener.

The victory leaves the UAE needing just a draw against Asian champions and hosts Qatar in a high-stakes clash on Tuesday to confirm automatic qualification, which would mark their first World Cup appearance since the 1990 edition.