Ismail Matar, long regarded as one of the UAE's top footballers, has joined the national team's technical staff as they prepare for the Gulf Cup of Nations. The former Al Wahda and UAE national team forward is now part of the group shaping the squad for the tournament's 27th edition, which will be held in Saudi Arabia from 23 September to 6 October 2026. According to Albayan, Matar's appointment began during the current training camp in Abu Dhabi under head coach Zlatko Dalic.
The UAE Football Association brought Matar on board at a key moment. With the team in camp, Dalic welcomed Matar's involvement, noting the respect he commands among players. Matar's leadership on and off the field made him a natural fit for a technical role. The Gulf Cup will take place in Jeddah, as confirmed by Reuters and Al Ajel English, and will be held under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
"The 2026 Gulf Cup will feature eight teams and a total of 15 matches, according to Alsaudi News."
Matar retired from professional football at the end of the 2023-2024 season and moved quickly into coaching. He completed an AFC B Diploma coaching course in 2021 and took on a training role during the Mansour bin Zayed Ramadan tournament, showing his commitment to developing players. Albayan notes that this transition was planned well in advance, reflecting Matar's long-term approach to his career after playing.
As the UAE team steps up its Gulf Cup preparations, Matar's addition to the coaching staff is expected to help connect the technical team and the players. His experience in UAE football and his status as a national figure give him a unique position to bridge generations-a dynamic that has worked well in other UAE sports, as seen with the karate team's leadership approach. The Gulf Cup will overlap with a FIFA international window, so teams can call up their strongest squads and professional players, according to Shafaq News.
Matar's new role is part of a broader strategy by the UAE Football Association to bring former players into technical positions and build continuity within the national setup. With the Gulf Cup approaching, the move aims to combine experience with new tactical ideas and prepare the UAE for a strong showing in 2026.
"The UAE has been drawn into Group B for the 2026 Gulf Cup, alongside Qatar, Bahrain, and Yemen. According to News of Bahrain, the UAE will face Bahrain three days after their opening match against Qatar, setting the stage for a challenging group phase."
