UAE Embraces Foreign Talent for World Cup Bid Amid Qualification Shift

ABU DHABI, UAE — As the United Arab Emirates prepares to face Iraq on Thursday in a crucial Asian qualification match for the 2026 World Cup, more than half of the starting lineup is expected to be composed of foreign-born players. This shift reflects a broader trend among Asian nations as they seek a competitive edge following the FIFA expansion from 32 to 48 teams, increasing the region’s allocation from four to eight automatic qualifying spots.

The expanded opportunities have spurred an influx of naturalized players in countries like the UAE, which historically struggled to qualify for the World Cup. While teams like Japan, South Korea, and Iran have seen more consistent success over the years, countries such as Uzbekistan and Jordan have joined the mix in pursuit of qualification. The UAE and Iraq, who have each qualified only once in the past, are now eyeing their chances with renewed hope.

Shaji Prabhakaran, a member of the Asian Football Confederation’s executive committee, stated, “The expansion has fueled this drive to naturalize. More World Cup places mean more hope for countries everywhere and more opportunities.” This change is expected to motivate nations to seek naturalization programs that improve their teams quickly.

Historical examples include Qatar, which previously implemented a large-scale naturalization strategy that led FIFA to tighten eligibility rules. Currently, players must either have family connections or play in the domestic league for at least five years before they can be naturalized. The UAE has utilized this approach to add several Brazilian players to their roster, including Lucas Pimenta and Marcus Meloni, along with players from Argentina and Africa.

Indonesia has seen a similar transformation, becoming a competitive force in Southeast Asia thanks to their recruitment of players with familial ties to the Netherlands. Over the past year, Dutch-born individuals with Indonesian grandparents have increasingly sought citizenship, boosting Indonesia’s competitiveness on the field.

The recent success of countries such as Malaysia has also raised concerns. Some players are facing suspension after being found guilty of falsifying documents to claim national ties to the country. Meanwhile, the Football Association of Vietnam is actively monitoring Brazilian players eligible for naturalization.

The sell-out crowd expected for the UAE-Iraq match on Thursday highlights the growing enthusiasm among fans as their teams aim for World Cup breakthroughs. As nations across Asia embrace new strategies to enhance their football programs, the excitement surrounding upcoming matches showcases the hunger for success on this global stage.