UAE thrash Yemen as 2026 World Cup qualification bid gathers pace

The UAE sealed their spot in the third round of World Cup 2026 qualifying and in the process booked a place at the 2027 Asian Cup by thrashing Yemen 3-0 in Dammam on Tuesday night.

With a perfect four wins from four, the UAE are certain of a top-two finish in Group H, with back-to-back wins over Yemen following earlier successes against Nepal and Bahrain. And with the process also deciding Asian Cup places, Paulo Bento's team are now assured of a berth at the continental tournament in Saudi Arabia in three years' time.

The UAE started with purpose in Saudi Arabia – Yemen are currently not allowed to host games due to the political situation there – with Sultan Adil’s long-range effort forcing Yemen keeper Aman Khairalah into action before Fabio De Lima just failed to convert Tahnoon Hamdan’s cross.

It didn't take long for De Lima to find the target, however, as his 14th minute free-kick beat Khairalah and nestled into the bottom corner.

Lifted by the goal, the UAE grew in confidence, doubling their lead in the 23rd minute when Bader Nasser’s cross from the left missed everyone and De Lima sneaked in to grab his second.

The visitors were on top and were further rewarded for a dominant display as Adil finished from close range after his initial shot had been blocked by a defender.

Yemen looked to make inroads early in the second half with Abdulwasea Al Matari’s powerful shot bringing a good save from Khalid Eisa, who then denied Haidar Khamisi following up.

The UAE will look to confirm top spot in the second round of qualifying in June when they visit Nepal, who were beaten 3-0 by second-placed Bahrain on Tuesday.

In the third round of World Cup qualifying, the AFC's top 18 teams will be split into three groups of six with