How they got there: Round 2 Group H winners

2022 AFC Asian Qualifiers Record: Eliminated in the Asian Playoff

Previous FIFA World Cup appearances: 1

Head Coach: Paulo Bento (POR)

Fun Fact: UAE's only FIFA World Cup appearance was in the 1990 edition

UAE cruised through the second round of the Asian Qualifiers with wins against Nepal, Bahrain and their double header against Yemen sealing their place in the third round with two matches to spare. 

The Emiratis concluded their second round campaign with a 4-0 win against Nepal and 1-1 draw with Bahrain as Paulo Bento's side showed they will be a force to be reckoned with in the third round.

Bento, however, has warned his players to be wary, especially after their 2022 heartbreak against Australia, which denied them a place in the Inter-Confederation playoff.

“We have to improve our tactical understanding and mental approach to the game as the next stage will be crucial,” said Bento. "The other teams will be at another level, and we must adapt to compete with them; what we've done so far isn't enough. We need to make significant improvements.

“My analysis from the beginning shows we've made some progress, but in my opinion, it's not sufficient.

"It's important, of course, that we become a more aggressive team, both defensively and offensively. We need to improve our overall organisation.”