Cosmin Olăroiu, the coach on the bench of the United Arab Emirates, recently missed out on qualifying for the intercontinental playoff for the World Cup 2026, after a dramatic match played in Basra, Iraq.
The hosts won 2-1 with a goal from a penalty in the 17th minute of extra time. It was a huge drama for the UAE, which was preparing for its second participation in a World Cup, after the one in 1990.
The Romanian Olăroiu was thus in danger of losing his position, as he had been promised a qualification bonus of 5 million euros. However, the sheikhs decided to keep the former coach of Steaua and FC National. And he will prepare for the Arab Cup, a competition scheduled to take place between December 1 and 18.
"I have learned that the Football Federation of the United Arab Emirates has officially decided to keep the Romanian coach Cosmin Olăroiu as the head coach of the national team. His contract is valid until 2027, and his next task will be to lead the national team in the Arab Cup, scheduled to take place in Doha, Qatar, from December 1 to 18.
The team, under Olăroiu's leadership, is set to start a training camp in Dubai before departing for Doha next Friday. The United Arab Emirates will compete in Group C alongside Egypt, Jordan, and the winner of the match between Kuwait and Mauritania. Olăroiu is expected to announce the new squad, which is anticipated to include the same players who recently participated in the World Cup qualifiers, with minor modifications," as stated in the post made by emaratalyoum.com.
Iraq will compete in the final for qualification for the World Cup, where they have only been once, in 1986, against the winner between Bolivia and Suriname, in March.
D.A.