The head of the UAE national football team supporters' association, Fahd Al-Mansouri, revealed that all preparations and arrangements are complete for a strong presence of Emirati fans at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Al-Jazira Club. This evening, the stadium will host the national team's match against their Iraqi counterpart in the first leg of the Asian playoff, which is part of the qualification path for the 2026 World Cup. Al-Mansouri explained that the UAE Football Association will provide 25,000 flags and 20,000 scarves to the fans. He also confirmed that the supporters' association has prepared a special 'tifo' with a message of support and motivation for the players in this crucial encounter. "All arrangements and preparations for the fans and cheering tools have been completed, and everything is ready for the supporters to be at the stadium to back the team," said Al-Mansouri, known as Faloda, in an interview with 'Emirates Today'. "The Football Association has provided all the necessary facilities to enable the fans to come in large numbers and support the national team." He added: "We, as fans, receive great support from the UAE Football Association, due to the vital role that fans can play in instilling a sense of enthusiasm among the players." Al-Mansouri pointed out that the capacity of Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium is approximately 40,000 spectators. He urged fans to arrive at the stadium at least three hours before the match starts to facilitate entry and avoid congestion, especially in such important matches. He also noted that the Iraqi fans will also be present in the stands in large numbers. Earlier, the Football Association had held a coordination meeting with fan representatives at its headquarters in Dubai, attended by the working group in charge of fans, the national team supporters' association, and representatives of clubs. The meeting discussed the arrangements for the fan presence for this important and anticipated match for 'Al-Abda' (the nickname for the UAE national team). According to the Football Association, the gates of Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium will open to the public at 5:00 PM, three hours before the kick-off. The association also announced on its official website the provision of free parking for fans, in coordination with several entities, with parking available from 4:00 PM today. The association also mentioned that it will provide a 'shuttle' service for fans, transporting them from Zayed Sports City to Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium with ease, starting at 4:00 PM. Al-Mansouri reiterated his appeal to fans, stressing the importance of arriving at the stadium early, at least three hours before the match begins.
