Qatar have enjoyed a phenomenal few years in the footballing world, from winning back-to-back AFC Asian Cups in 2019 and 2023 to playing in their first World Cup when they hosted the competition in 2022.

Despite this success, they disappointingly became the worst ever host nation at a World Cup, crashing out of the group stage after just two matches.

That result led to a poor run of form for Qatar in subsequent tournaments, winning just four of their next 14 matches in all competitions, but they have improved in recent times.

On the opening day of the second round of Asian qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Qatar thrashed Afghanistan 8-1, and that victory led to a run of just one defeat in 15 matches.

Tintin Marquez will be looking to build on Qatar's impressive form and secure a top-two finish in Group A of the third round of Asian qualifying to ensure direct qualification for a second consecutive World Cup.

Qatar will face a stern test against the UAE, who also topped their group in the second round of Asian qualifying with five wins and a draw from six games.

Paulo Bento has turned around UAE's fortunes since taking over in July 2023, turning around a team that had won just three of their previous 12 matches to record 10 wins and just three defeats in his 15 games in charge.

Bento will be hoping his side can continue this run of good form in the third round of Asian qualifying as he looks to secure the UAE's place at their second World Cup, having last qualified in 1990.

However, the visitors have been the underdogs in this fixture in recent years, losing three of the last four meetings to Qatar by an aggregate score of 14-3.

Qatar possible starting lineup:

Barsham; Mohammed, Salman, Mendes, Ahmed; Abdulsallam, Fathy, Al-Ahrak; Afif; Mansour, Ali

United Arab Emirates possible starting lineup:

Eisa; Idrees, Abaelaziz, Al Attas, Ahmed; Faiz, Rashid; Lima, Alzaabi, Saleh; Adil

Prediction:Qatar 3-1 United Arab Emirates

Qatar VS United Arab Emirates stream and TV listing

International：Holasports