"The UAE Football Association has decided to dismiss the head coach of the national team, Paulo Bento, along with his coaching staff," UAEFA said on its social media account.

The win against DPR Korea saw UAE move to within four points of second-placed Uzbekistan with Islamic Republic of Iran having already confirmed their spot at next year’s FIFA World Cup. 

However, with only two rounds of matches remaining, UAE face a tough task of securing an automatic spot but are assured of advancing to the playoffs, where another two slots are available to the global showpiece.