Yahya Al Ghassani and Mohammed Jumaa have been called up to the UAE's Olympic football squad for the Asian Games in Japan, which rules them out of the Gulf Cup. Coach Igor Bišćan's decision to include both players shifts the focus to the continental tournament and forces changes to the senior national team's plans for the regional competition.
The UAE Football Association has released a 23-player list for the 20th Asian Games, which will be held in Aichi-Nagoya from 19 September to 4 October. Bišćan's squad combines experienced players with younger prospects, and Al Ghassani and Jumaa are among the most notable selections. Their absence from the Gulf Cup means the senior team will need to adjust its attack. According to Olympics.com, the men's football tournament at the Asian Games will actually start before the official opening ceremony, with matches beginning on 15 September 2026.
"The UAE men's football team has been drawn into Group B alongside Iran, China, and North Korea, with their opening match scheduled against Iran on 16 September 2026."
- Olympics.com
In goal, the team includes Khaled Touhid, Saeed Salem Maqdami, and Rashid Salem Maqdami. Defenders are Badr Nasser, Leonardo Amisimiko, Khamis Al Mansouri, Mansour Al Baloushi, Mubarak Bani Zama, Mansour Al Menhali, Nahyan Al Maamari, and Yousif Al Marzouqi. The midfield features Mackenzie Hunt, Solomon Suso, Ali Al Baloushi, Matar Za'al, Hazem Abbas, and Saif Al Kaabi. The forwards are Yahya Al Ghassani, Mansour Saeed Al Menhali, Junior Ndaye, Mohammed Jumaa Al Mansouri, Ahmed Raed Al Shammari, and Maed Al Kas.
This announcement comes as several UAE sports federations adjust their schedules to manage overlapping international and regional events. For example, the UAE Basketball Federation recently postponed its Men's Open Championship to accommodate international club commitments, showing how teams across sports are having to rethink their plans.
For the Olympic football team, the Asian Games are a major test of squad depth and player development. Bringing in key attackers like Al Ghassani and Jumaa is a deliberate move to strengthen the team for the continental competition, even if it means the Gulf Cup squad is less experienced. The UAE delegation to the Asian Games includes 165 athletes across 23 sports, with football as a central part of the group, according to Gates Dubai.
"The men's football tournament at the 2026 Asian Games will feature 15 national teams, after Iraq withdrew from the competition. As of early September 2026, there have been no reported changes to the UAE squad or match schedule, and the original group stage draw remains in effect."
- Olympics.com
The message from the federation is clear: the Asian Games are the priority, and the expectation is that the top young players will deliver in Japan. Whether this approach works will depend on results at the tournament and how well the senior team adapts without some of its best prospects.
