Paulo Bento Sacked Despite UAE Still in Contention for 2026 World Cup Qualification

1 week ago 13

March 27, 2025 | 02:27 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The UAE Football Association (UAEFA) dismissed Portuguese coach Paulo Bento on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, despite the national team keeping their hopes alive for direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup.

The decision came a day after the UAE secured a narrow 2-1 victory over North Korea at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium in Riyadh on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.

Sultan Adil’s extra-time goal sealed the win, reducing the point gap with Uzbekistan, who currently hold second place in Group A, to four points. Both teams face critical matches in the third round of the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers on June 5.

The top two teams from each of the three Asian qualifying groups will earn automatic spots in the 2026 World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. However, Bento will not be in charge for the UAE’s final two matches.

“The UAE Football Association has decided to dismiss the head coach of the national team, Paulo Bento, along with his coaching staff,” the UAEFA posted on social media, quoted by AP News.

Bento previously led Portugal to the Euro 2012 semifinals and guided South Korea to the round of 16 in the 2022 World Cup. Since assuming the UAE coaching role in July 2023, he has recorded 14 wins, six draws, and six losses.

Iran has already secured qualification from Group A. If the UAE fails to claim an automatic berth after facing Uzbekistan on June 5, they will still have a chance through the fourth round of Asian qualifiers. Their final group-stage match is set against Kyrgyzstan on June 10, 2025.

Before their recent win, the UAE struggled with consistency. In the Gulf Cup, they failed to secure a single victory in the group stage, drawing against Qatar and Oman while suffering a loss to Kuwait. Additionally, they endured a 0-2 defeat to Iran in their seventh World Cup qualifying match.

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