In a surprising turn of events, the UAE Football Association announced the dismissal of coach Paulo Bento on March 26, 2025, just hours after his team secured a thrilling 2-1 victory against North Korea in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The decision to part ways with Bento, who took over the UAE national team in July 2023, comes amid rising expectations and pressure as the team aims to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
During the match, Sultan Adil emerged as the hero, scoring a dramatic goal in injury time that not only clinched the victory but also narrowed the gap with Uzbekistan in Group A to just four points. This win brought the UAE team to a total of four wins, one draw, and three losses in the ongoing qualifiers, placing them third in the group behind Iran and Uzbekistan.
The UAE Football Association's official statement indicated that they would soon seek a replacement for Bento, emphasizing the need for a fresh approach as they prepare for their upcoming matches against Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan in June 2025. "We will cease cooperation with Bento and other coaches. We expect to find a replacement soon to lead the team in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers and other official tournaments," the statement read.
Paulo Bento's tenure was marked by notable achievements, including leading the UAE to the round of 16 at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar. Under his guidance, the team performed impressively in the second round of the World Cup qualifiers, finishing with five wins, one draw, and no losses. However, the team's recent performances, particularly their disappointing exit from the Gulf Cup in December 2024, where they managed only two draws and one loss in the group stage, likely contributed to the decision to part ways.
Despite a promising start, the UAE's journey in the World Cup qualifiers has been rocky. Currently, they sit at 13 points in the standings, trailing Iran, who leads the group with 20 points, and Uzbekistan, who has 17 points. The pressure is mounting as only the top two teams from each group will secure a spot in the World Cup.
Football analysts believe that the decision to dismiss Bento was influenced by the team's lackluster performances in recent months. The UAE was expected to capitalize on its earlier successes but faltered when it mattered most. The upcoming matches against Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan will be crucial, as a direct win against Uzbekistan could significantly boost their chances of qualifying.
Interestingly, the response from fans regarding Bento's dismissal has been overwhelmingly positive. Many supporters expressed their relief on social media, with one fan stating, "Thank you, this is the best news!" and another adding, "This is the best news of the morning!" The sentiment reflects a broader desire for change and a new direction for the team.
Paulo Bento, who previously coached the South Korean national team and led them to the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup, leaves behind a mixed legacy in the UAE. His record stands at 14 wins, 6 draws, and 6 losses, showcasing both his capability to lead the team to successes and the challenges faced during his tenure.
As the UAE Football Association prepares to find a new coach, the focus will undoubtedly be on finding someone who can rejuvenate the squad and inspire confidence as they navigate the final stages of the World Cup qualifiers. With the next match just around the corner, the urgency for a swift transition is evident.
In conclusion, while Paulo Bento's time with the UAE national team has come to an unexpected end, the path forward remains filled with possibilities. The upcoming matches will determine not only the future of the team in the qualifiers but also the legacy of the next coach who will take the reins.
