The national team's goalkeeper, Ali Khaseef, confirmed that the players were affected by the team's elimination from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. However, they now have a new opportunity at the Arab Nations Cup in Qatar. He emphasized that their goal is clear: to play, enjoy, and move forward in a manner befitting the name of the United Arab Emirates. At a press conference yesterday, Khaseef said: "As players, we were affected by what happened to the team, but this is now in the past. There are positive and negative aspects, and the coach Cosmin, as well as the team management, have worked with the team in the recent period to help us get through this phase." He added: "Now we are in a new tournament, and our goal is to deliver a good performance and leave in a manner that befits the UAE."
