The UAE national mini football team earned a spot at the 2027 World Cup after beating Indonesia 3-0 in Jakarta to take bronze at the Asian Championship. The win capped a strong tournament run and opens a new chapter for the squad as they look ahead to the next stage of international competition.
Mohamed Jasim, Ahmed Al Baloushi, and Mohamed Al Suwaidi scored in the third-place match, sealing a clear victory for the UAE. Their performance in Jakarta included a semi-final appearance and secured World Cup qualification once they reached the last four. According to Emirates Today and Al Bayan, the team kept a clean sheet in the bronze medal match, showing their defensive discipline.
The UAE secured their World Cup spot after a decisive 4-2 victory over Uzbekistan in the quarter-finals, which also propelled them into the semi-finals of the Asian Minifootball Nations Cup.
Abdullah Hassan Al Darmaki, board member of the UAE Sports for All Federation and supervisor of mini football, outlined the team's next steps. He said a full preparation programme is underway, including domestic competitions starting in October, international friendlies, and both local and overseas training camps. The plan is designed to get the squad ready for the demands of the 2027 World Cup.
Al Darmaki pointed to the semi-final against Uzbekistan as a key test of the team's resilience. He credited the cooperation between technical and administrative staff, and the players' determination to secure World Cup qualification in Jakarta. He also acknowledged head coach Badr Ibrahim, assistant coach Ahmed Al Saleh, team manager Sarmad Al Zadjali, Brazilian goalkeeping and fitness coach Diego Torella, administrator Khaled Mohsen, and Dr. Marwan bin Ali for their roles in the campaign.
The UAE Sports for All Federation had set clear objectives ahead of the Asian Minifootball Nations Cup 2026 in Jakarta, aiming not only for the continental title but also for qualification to the WMF World Cup 2027 in the Czech Republic. During the tournament, the federation's president, Said Ali Al Ajali, participated in the World Minifootball Federation General Assembly, reflecting the UAE's active role in both sporting and administrative aspects of mini football.
This result comes as UAE football teams aim for a bigger presence in Asia, as seen in recent matches from other national squads. The mini football team's bronze medal and World Cup qualification mark a step forward for the sport in the UAE.
The federation is focused on long-term development, moving past short-term celebrations to build lasting progress and competitive strength. With a detailed preparation plan and a committed technical team, the UAE is working to compete at the highest level in mini football. This approach could serve as a model for other sports programmes in the country, showing how careful planning and targeted investment can lead to international results.
