Paulo Bento proud of UAE's winning start to World Cup qualifying but warns of Bahrain test

UAE manager Paulo Bento praised his players’ attitude as they began 2026 World Cup qualification with a win, but then reminded Bahrain will provide an altogether different test next week.

The national team kicked off the second round of qualifiers on Thursday night with a straightforward 4-0 victory against the low-ranked Nepal in Dubai.

Record goalscorer Ali Mabkhout struck twice at Al Maktoum Stadium, in between goals from defender Khalifa Al Hammadi and forward Fabio De Lima. All four came in the first half.

The win sees the UAE top Group H, with Bahrain second having defeated Yemen 2-0 in Saudi Arabia.

Bento, appointed in July as successor to Rodolfo Arruabarrena, said afterwards that he was content with his side’s endeavour on the night - a result that marked a winning start to his competitive tenure.

“We made a reasonable game,” the former Portugal and South Korea manager said. “In the first half we were very effective in the opportunities we had. We scored through the set-pieces [twice] as well. In the second half, maybe we had some chances to score, and we were not so effective.

“But in the end, I think that is a fair victory. It was important to start well, for sure.”

The UAE, aiming to seal what would represent only a second appearance at a World Cup in the country’s history, now travel to Bahrain to conclude the qualifying double-header. They take on their Gulf rivals in Riffa on Tuesday.

“We are happy with the attitude in general, and with the result,” Bento said. “And, of course, we know we must improve in the next game because we know for sure it will be a different game than this.”

UAE v Nepal

Should the UAE have any joy in Bahrain, they will likely need to lean once more on Mabkhout. The Al Jazira