The United Arab Emirates (UAE) national football team earned a vital 2-1 victory over Oman in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian Qualifiers on October 11, 2025, boosting their chances in the fourth-round Group A playoff. Played at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar, the win gives UAE three points and top spot in the group after one match. Oman, with one point, now sits third following a goalless draw in their opener against Qatar.
Intense First Half Battle
Oman struck first in the 12th minute when UAE defender Kouame Autonne scored an own goal under pressure from Omani attackers, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead. The UAE struggled early, with Oman controlling possession and pressing high, but UAE’s defense held firm despite losing key winger Yahya Al Ghassani to injury in the 32nd minute. UAE had flashes of attack through Nicolas Giménez and Fabio Lima, but halftime arrived with Oman ahead.
UAE’s Comeback in Second Half
UAE turned the game around after the break, equalizing in the 76th minute through Marcus Meloni’s well-taken goal after a quick counter-attack. Seven minutes later, substitute Caio sealed the win with a clinical finish in the 83rd minute, making it 2-1. UAE dominated the second half with better chances, while Oman pushed for an equalizer but couldn’t break through the UAE backline.
Group Standings and Road Ahead
This result places UAE first in Group A with one win, goal difference +1, and three points. Qatar is second with one point, Oman third with one point and -1 goal difference, setting up a tight race. UAE’s next match is against Qatar, while Oman faces Uzbekistan; both teams aim for direct qualification spots in the expanded 2026 World Cup.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
- What was the final score and key goals in the UAE vs Oman match?
UAE defeated Oman 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian Qualifiers on October 11, 2025. Oman led 1-0 via Kouame Autonne’s own goal (12′), but UAE equalized with Marcus Meloni (76′) and won with Caio’s strike (83′). - Where was the UAE-Oman World Cup playoff held?
The match took place at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar, on October 11, 2025, as part of the AFC fourth-round Group A. UAE’s comeback victory boosted their qualification hopes in the expanded 2026 tournament. - How did this win affect the Group A standings?
UAE tops Group A with 3 points after the 2-1 win. Qatar holds second with 1 point from a draw, while Oman is third with 1 point and a -1 goal difference, intensifying the race for direct World Cup spots.