Rabat -The United Arab Emirates and Kuwait face a must-win game in Group C of the FIFA Arab Cup 2025. Both teams have one point from two matches, behind Egypt with two and Jordan with six. A win here would likely secure second place and a spot in the quarter-finals.
Kuwait, known as the “Blue Wave,” drew 1-1 with Egypt thanks to a goal from Fahed Al-Hajri. The UAE, also known as “Al-Abyad,” lost 2-1 to Jordan, with Bruno Oliveira scoring their only goal. This clash at Stadium 974 in Lusail will decide who stays in the tournament.
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Match Details:
- Fixture: United Arab Emirates vs Kuwait
- Competition: FIFA Arab Cup 2025, Group C – Matchday 3
- Venue: Stadium 974 – ad-Doha, Qatar
- Date: Tuesday, 9 December 2025
- Kick-off: 3:30 p.m. (GMT+1) / 5:30 p.m. local (GMT+3)
- How to Watch: Live (free-to-air) on beIN Sports, Al Kass, Dubai Sports, Abu Dhabi Sports, etc.
UAE Team News
After losing their first match, UAE coach Cosmin Olaroiu will use his strongest lineup. The team includes Brazilian-born Caio Lucas and Bruno Oliveira, with Bruno scoring against Jordan and Caio leading the attack.
Nicolás Giménez from Argentina adds creativity in midfield, while captain Yahia Nader anchors the midfield.
The defense needs changes after Khaled Al-Dhanhani was sent off early for a handball. In the 2-1 defeat to Jordan, the UAE still showed attacking strength with ten men, but now they must defend better. Olăroiu will stress discipline to avoid penalties and count on his players’ experience to get the win.
Kuwait Team News
Kuwait, led by coach Helio Sousa since July 2025, must win to stay in the tournament. Sousa changed his lineup against Egypt, starting veteran goalkeeper Saud Al-Hoshan and striker Fahed Al-Hajri. Al-Hajri scored with a header, but Al-Hoshan was sent off late, and Egypt equalized from the penalty.
With Al-Hoshan suspended, backup keepers Mustapha Bushrith or Ali Al-Dasri will step in. Captain Youssef Majed and midfielder Fawaz Ayed are expected to hold the midfield, while defenders Abdulwahab Al-Owadhi and Sultan Al-Enzi must keep the back line solid.
Kuwait will aim to stay compact, avoid mistakes, and hit on the counter through Al-Hajri and the wingers.
What to Expect
Both teams must win, so the game should be tense. The UAE will attempt to control the ball and attack early, hoping an early goal will settle them. Coach Olaroiu will rely on Caio and Bruno on the wings, with Yahia Nader guiding the midfield.
Kuwait, missing their main goalkeeper, may sit back and defend, looking to counterattack when possible. Discipline is key after the UAE’s red card last match, so both sides will be careful at the start.
The UAE should see more of the ball, but Kuwait’s solid defense with Majed and Ayed could limit chances. In the end, one mistake or one moment of skill could decide it.
Safe Bets & Prediction
- Both Teams to Score: Likely.
- Total Goals – Under 2.5: Likely. In tight, high-pressure games like this, teams often struggle to score freely.
- Bruno Oliveira to Score: Likely. The UAE winger scored in the opener and will be eager to exploit Kuwait’s vulnerable defense.
- UAE to Win: Likely. The UAE possess more attacking quality overall
Predicted Score: UAE 2-1 Kuwait.
