Emirates' Fans Fired Up for Iraq Match: The White's Strength Fuels World Cup Dream

The UAE Football Association met with fan groups Sunday to plan crowd support for the national team's crucial World Cup qualifier against Iraq on November 13 at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. This playoff match represents the UAE's path to the 2026 World Cup, with fans insisting "the team is strong and the World Cup dream is still alive."

The meeting brought together the UAE FA's fan coordination team, national team supporter groups, and club representatives to hash out the details. They covered everything from stadium entry procedures to flag distribution and where different fan groups will sit. The goal is simple: create the loudest, most supportive atmosphere possible for what many consider a make-or-break match.

The association will continue its "Dream of a Nation" campaign, which has gained momentum across UAE society. The campaign includes coordinated displays with flags, scarves, and banners designed to show national unity behind the team.

This is a two-leg playoff in the Asian qualifying system. The winner advances to the final round of 2026 World Cup qualifiers. After the Abu Dhabi match, both teams travel to Basra for the return leg on November 18.

The UAE team, known as "Al Abyad" (The Whites), faces pressure to bounce back under Romanian coach Olario Cosmin. The squad mixes young talent with experienced players, and playing at home gives them a crucial advantage in this high-stakes encounter.

Fan sentiment remains optimistic despite recent setbacks. Marwan Mohammed, a longtime supporter, told local media: "Some fans say the dream is over, but that's not true. The dream is still there. We have two matches against Iraq, and our team is strong enough to turn things around. We'll fight until the last minute."

He added that anyone wearing the UAE jersey and representing the flag should never give up, with fans providing unwavering support regardless of circumstances.

Supporter Saleh Al Mansoori echoed this confidence: "We have a team capable of reaching the World Cup. We'll stand behind them until the World Cup dream comes true. We'll prove that Al Abyad can go far in these qualifiers."

Yousuf Al Balushi emphasized the fans' role: "Dream of a Nation means putting 90 minutes of support and encouragement into the players' hearts. On Thursday, the stadium needs to be packed to the last seat. We need to push the players to give everything they have. Hope exists, and our team can win and advance to the next stage."

The coordination meeting reflects how seriously the UAE takes fan support as a competitive advantage. With World Cup qualification on the line, every detail matters - from organized chanting to visual displays that can lift players and intimidate opponents.