UAE Foot Ball Association dismisses coach Paulo Bento
Portuguese coach Paulo Bento sacked after UAE’s win over North Korea, leaving leadership uncertain before key qualifiers
UAE Dismisses Coach Paulo Bento Despite Crucial World Cup Qualifier Win
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has parted ways with Portuguese coach Paulo Bento, just hours after the national team secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over North Korea in Riyadh, keeping their hopes of direct qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 alive.
A Crucial Win Before Sudden Dismissal
Sultan Adil’s stoppage-time goal reduced the gap to second-placed Uzbekistan in Group A to four points, setting up a crucial qualifier between the two teams on June 5. The top two teams from each of the three Asian qualifying groups will earn automatic spots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, despite the UAE remaining in contention, Bento will not be leading the squad for the remainder of the campaign.
In an official statement on Wednesday, the UAE Football Association (UAEFA) announced the dismissal of Bento and his coaching staff, signaling an unexpected leadership change as the team approaches decisive matches.
The UAE’s Tenure of Bento
The national team has won 14 games, drawn six, and lost six since Bento took over in July 2023. Leading South Korea to the 2022 World Cup Round of 16 and Portugal to the semifinals of Euro 2012 are two of his prior coaching accomplishments.
UAE’s Path to World Cup Qualification
Iran has already secured its place in the 2026 World Cup from Group A, while the UAE is guaranteed a spot in the fourth round of Asian qualifiers if they fail to secure direct qualification. Their last two group-stage matches against Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan will determine their fate.
The UAEFA has yet to announce Bento’s replacement, but the decision to change leadership at this critical juncture adds uncertainty to the team’s World Cup ambitions.
