Zlatko Dalic begins his tenure as the head coach of the UAE football team on Thursday, leading his squad against Yemen in the opening match of the 27th Gulf Cup. Held in Jeddah from September 23 to October 6, the tournament features eight teams divided into two groups, with the UAE competing in Group B alongside Yemen, Qatar, and Bahrain. Group A comprises Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and Kuwait, with the top two sides from each group advancing to the semi-finals.
This appointment marks Dalic’s first assignment with the UAE following his hiring two months ago to replace Cosmin Olaroiu. Dalic arrives with an extensive pedigree, having spent nine years managing Croatia, where he secured a 2018 World Cup final appearance, a third-place finish in 2022, and reached the 2023 Nations League final. He departed the Croatian post following a 2-1 defeat to Portugal in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup.
Reflecting on his new role, Dalic expressed enthusiasm for the challenge. “This is my first time taking part in the tournament and we are looking forward to deliver a strong performance starting with Yemen, a team we have a great respect for,” he stated. He added that the team has been meticulously preparing over the last few days to reach an optimum level, emphasizing, “We know our objectives and we are not putting ourselves under any kind of pressure. 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.”
The UAE holds a storied history in the competition, having first participated in 1972. Since then, the nation has reached the final six times, claiming victory in 2007 and 2013, with four additional runner-up finishes. Looking ahead, the squad is also preparing for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, where they are drawn into Group E with South Korea, Vietnam, and Yemen.
Player Sultan Adil expressed optimism regarding the team’s prospects of securing a third title. “Our preparation has been strong and we are ready for the tournament and coach’s game plan,” Adil said. He noted the team is adopting a measured approach: “We understand the importance of the tournament and we will take it step-by-step, that is one match at a time to achieve our goal.” Adil further credited veteran Ismail Matar for providing guidance based on his extensive experience in the Gulf Cup.
Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Football Association, voiced his confidence in the new technical staff and the squad’s ability to represent the nation effectively. He noted that the tournament serves as a vital platform to bolster the team’s capabilities and experience.
Emphasizing the importance of community, Sheikh Hamdan stated, “Support from the public and the media is essential, as they are key motivators in football and indispensable to the sport.” He called for collective cooperation to ensure the success of the 27th edition, viewing the team as ambassadors of UAE football.
He further highlighted the historical significance of the Arabian Gulf Cup, noting its enduring value to generations of supporters. The association remains committed to supporting this regional sporting gathering, whether through active participation or hosting duties, to ensure it meets its social and athletic objectives. 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 who parted ways with the national team after they failed to qualify for the recently-concluded World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico, he replaced former coach Cosmin Olaroiu. The report also notes that calling upon the players to maintain focus and exert their utmost effort to bring joy to UAE football fans, he urged the national team to approach the tournament one step at a time. The report also notes that we are confident that everyone will rally behind the team and provide the necessary support. The report also notes that we wish the best of luck to this ambassador of UAE football in this cherished tournament.
