The United Arab Emirates, seeking a second appearance at the global showpiece, parted ways with Paulo Bento just days after Matchday Eight. 

Cosmin Olaroiu was named as Bento's replacement shortly after with the Romanian bringing the curtain down on a successful club career in the UAE by lifting the AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 title with Sharjah FC, the 14th trophy he secured in his stints with three sides. 

“I have a very difficult mission,” said the former centre-back after Sharjah FC's triumph against Lion City Sailors FC two weeks ago. "I know the big responsibility that I have.

“I have to pay back the hospitality this country has given me and my family. I have learned a lot of things in this country, and have made myself a better person with a better vision of life. I have to pay back, which is why I accepted this mission.”

Having appeared at the 1990 FIFA World Cup, UAE's hopes of qualifying for Qatar 2022 were dashed following defeat to Australia in the Asian playoff and they only have an outside chance of sealing an automatic spot with Uzbekistan - who they meet on Thursday - four points ahead.

That suggests the playoffs - where another two spots are available - are their best option with Olaroiu vowing that he will do everything he can to get UAE a ticket to the Finals. 

"Of course I have the dream to participate in the World Cup. I will do my best to do that, and I think this fantastic nation deserves it.

“The way this country has developed, the way they have grown up in sport, they deserve to participate in the World Cup. I hope we can do it.”

Qatar are the other team from Group A who will have a new head coach, with Spaniard Julen Lopetegui taking over from compatriot Luis Garcia.

The former Spain and Real Madrid manager's immediate task will be to ensure the two-time AFC Asian Cup champions secure their spot in the playoffs, with the automatic route in the group already closed. 

Lopetegui, who had his first training session with the squad on May 25, said he would be taking the one-step-at-time approach.

“The long-term vision, for now, is the 5th of June,” Lopetegui said to local media. “Then, it will be the 10th of June, that’s how football works.”

Qatar, on 10 points, face the already qualified Islamic Republic of Iran on Thursday with Uzbekistan - on the verge of sealing a first ever appearance on the global stage - to follow five days later. 

They sit in fourth place, four points ahead of Kyrgyz Republic, and victory in either of their final two matches will confirm their playoff spot. 

“We have a very balanced squad with players of different playing styles. We have to be able to work with them and fill the energy around the group ahead of all these matches. While not easy, a win against Iran is still possible."

The third new head coach aiming to steer his side to qualification is the vastly experienced Graham Arnold, who has taken charge of an Iraq team who are just one point off the Group B second spot.

A 2-1 defeat to Palestine on Matchday Eight was a huge blow to the West Asian side's hopes of automatic qualification to a second FIFA World Cup but with Jordan - who sit above them in the standings - their final opponents, Iraq still have a chance.

They, however, have to get a result against Korea Republic on Thursday, with the East Asian side also requiring victory to confirm their spot with a match to spare.

Graham, who guided Australia to Qatar 2022 after a gruelling campaign which required two playoff wins, said self belief will be very important for his new side. 

“It is obviously a wonderful opportunity and the only thing I am here for is I want to make Iraq proud and make the fans proud,” the 61-year-old said in his introductory press conference three weeks ago.

“What is important is we all believe we can win the next two games, that is my first objective for the nation of Iraq.”