UAE vs Qatar prediction 30.09.2026 | Gulf Cup

UAE have made an outstanding start to Zlatko Dalić's first competitive tournament as head coach, beating Yemen 4-0 before defeating Bahrain 3-0. 

The 4-0 victory over Yemen was particularly dominant statistically, with UAE recording 12 shots and five attempts on target, compared with just two shots from their opponents. Nicolás Giménez scored twice in that match and remains one of the tournament's leading attacking threats.

Against Bahrain, Ousmane Camara, Guilherme Bala and Ali Saleh were on target, giving UAE five different goalscorers across their first two games. Bala and Saleh both scored after coming off the bench, potentially giving Dalić selection decisions to make.

According to the most recent news sources, only Gustavo is listed as unavailable through injury. Yuri César was also withdrawn at half-time against Bahrain, although reports indicate that his absence from the starting XI against Qatar is not yet certain.

Qatar have also collected six points, defeating Bahrain 2-0 before edging Yemen 1-0. Their defensive record is therefore equally impressive, with two clean sheets from two matches.

Their victory over Yemen was considerably tighter than UAE's results. Qatar were held goalless in the first half before Youssef Abdul-Razzaq scored the decisive goal, while Akram Afif missed a second-half penalty. Qatar also suffered an injury setback when midfielder Issa Lai was forced off after only nine minutes.

Ahmed Fathi is available again after serving a one-match suspension following his red card against Bahrain. His return could strengthen Qatar's midfield, while Edmilson Junior is also pushing for a starting place after making an impact from the bench against Yemen.