Zlatko Dalic takes charge of the UAE national football team for the first time on Thursday as they face Yemen in their opening match of the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup in Jeddah.
Running from Sept. 23 to Oct. 6, the tournament features eight teams split into two groups. Group B includes the UAE, Yemen, Qatar, and Bahrain, while Group A comprises Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and Kuwait. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals.
The UAE boasts a strong history in the regional competition, having first competed in the second edition in 1972. The squad has reached the final six times, claiming the championship in 2007 and 2013 alongside four runner-up finishes.
This fixture marks Dalic’s debut assignment since his appointment two months ago. He succeeded Cosmin Olaroiu, who departed after the national team missed qualification for the World Cup in USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Addressing the press, Dalic expressed enthusiasm for his tournament debut and respect for their opening opponents. He noted that preparation had covered every detail to reach optimal levels without adding unnecessary pressure on the squad.
Prior to this role, Dalic spent nine years managing Croatia, leading them to the 2018 World Cup final, a third-place finish in 2022, and the 2023 Nations League final. He stepped down following Croatia’s round-of-32 exit at the 2026 World Cup after a 2-1 defeat against Portugal. Looking ahead, the UAE will also contest Group E of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia alongside South Korea, Vietnam, and Yemen.
Player Sultan Adil voiced strong confidence in the squad’s readiness to execute the coach’s tactical plan and contend for the trophy. He emphasized a step-by-step approach focused on taking matches one at a time, while acknowledging the valuable mentorship provided by veteran Ismail Matar.
UAE Football Association President Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan stated that the national team is fully equipped to perform at a level reflecting the country’s football reputation. He underscored that participating in the 27th edition will strengthen the team’s capabilities and urged players to maintain steady focus throughout the competition.
Highlighting the historical significance of the tournament, Sheikh Hamdan called for collective cooperation to ensure the event succeeds both athletically and socially. He stressed that public and media backing remains essential and indispensable as key motivators in football. The report also notes that mohammad Abdullah, Senior Sports Reporter. The report also notes that with eight teams divided into two groups, gulf Cup 27 is being held in Jeddah from Sept.23 to Oct.6. The report also notes that dalic vowed to put up a strong performance and emerged as one of the top contenders for the title. The report also notes that “We know our objectives and we are not putting ourselves under any kind of pressure. The report also notes that we have been working on each and every details in the last few days to bring the team to the optimum level,” said Dalic. The report also notes that “I am very happy with our group and the most important thing is to play with confidence, stand together as one team and delivering a performance to live up to the expectations of our fans,” he added. The report also notes that we promise to give our best and looking forward to the support of our fans,” he concluded. The report also notes that we are confident that everyone will rally behind the team and provide the necessary support.
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