The United Arab Emirates have parted ways with head coach Paulo Bento, despite a thrilling last-minute victory keeping their World Cup dream alive.
A Win That Wasn’t Enough
It’s not every day a coach gets sacked after a victory — especially one that keeps World Cup qualification hopes alive. Yet that’s exactly what happened to Paulo Bento. The UAE Football Association announced Wednesday morning that the Portuguese coach and his staff were dismissed, just hours after a nail-biting 2-1 win over North Korea in Riyadh.
Sultan Adil’s stoppage-time strike secured a crucial win, narrowing the gap to second-placed Uzbekistan in Group A to four points. With two matches left, including a head-to-head against Uzbekistan on June 5, the UAE’s path to automatic qualification remains intact — but Bento won’t be leading them there.
Bento’s Record: Solid, But Not Spectacular
Bento, who took charge in July 2023, leaves behind a mixed legacy. Under his guidance, the UAE registered:
- 14 wins
- 6 draws
- 6 losses
For most nations, that record would signal stability. But for a team eyeing a World Cup spot, inconsistency proved costly. The UAE’s form dipped at critical moments, leaving them in a precarious position despite their recent heroics.
A High-Profile Coaching Career Ends Abruptly
Bento isn’t your average coach. His resume boasts impressive achievements, including guiding Portugal to the Euro 2012 semi-finals and taking South Korea to the knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup.
The UAE’s decision to sack him, then, raises eyebrows. It’s rare to see a coach with such pedigree shown the door mid-campaign — particularly after a dramatic win. The move suggests internal pressures and a desire for a fresh approach, even with just two qualifiers remaining.
What’s Next for the UAE?
The Emirates still have a shot at direct qualification. Here’s how Group A stands:
| Team | Points | Matches Left |
|---|---|---|
| Iran | 18 | 2 |
| Uzbekistan | 13 | 2 |
| UAE | 9 | 2 |
| North Korea | 4 | 2 |
| Kyrgyzstan | 1 | 2 |
Iran is already through, but the UAE remains in the hunt for that second automatic spot — or, failing that, a place in the fourth round of qualifiers.
The upcoming showdown with Uzbekistan on June 5 is now a do-or-die battle. Five days later, they’ll wrap up the campaign against Kyrgyzstan. The question is: who will be on the sidelines leading the charge?
A Gamble or a Masterstroke?
Changing managers this late in a qualification campaign is a massive gamble. It’s hard enough to implement new tactics and build team chemistry with a full pre-season — let alone with two matches left.
Still, the UAE’s leadership clearly believes a change was necessary. Perhaps they see a new voice as the spark the squad needs to snatch second place. Or maybe they’re already looking beyond this campaign, preparing for a longer-term rebuild.
