Emirates national team

The UAE national football team, nicknamed "Al Abyad" (The White), is one of the most storied national teams in Asian football, and the owner of one of the most thrilling memories in the region's history of hosting major tournaments. Since its founding alongside the establishment of the United Arab Emirates itself in the early 1970s, Al Abyad has taken steady steps toward cementing its presence in Asian football, achieving its greatest triumph when it hosted the 1996 AFC Asian Cup and reached the final on home soil, before losing the title on penalties to Saudi Arabia in a match still etched in the memory of UAE fans to this day.

That moment was just one of several important milestones in Al Abyad's history, which also wrote a historic chapter with its sole appearance to date at the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy, becoming one of the first Gulf national teams to reach the World Cup finals. The UAE national team also added the 2007 Arabian Gulf Cup title to its trophy cabinet, won on home soil, in one of the most memorable fan celebrations in the history of UAE football.

This legacy is carried today by a generation led by all-time top scorer Ali Mabkhout, who has spent many years scoring goals and setting records for Al Abyad across various competitions, alongside a group of young players seeking to bring the national team back to the continental and regional podium after years without a title. Al Abyad now faces a genuine challenge: renewing its generation of players and recapturing the influential presence UAE football held in the 1990s and early 2000s.

As Al Abyad prepares for important upcoming competitions, UAE fans are looking ahead to two notable milestones on Saudi soil: competing at the Arabian Gulf Cup ("Gulf Cup 27") in pursuit of a new title, followed by the 2027 Asian Cup in hopes of matching or surpassing the run to the 1996 final. If you're a UAE national team fan and want to be part of these upcoming moments, the FansPass platform is your best and most trusted choice for booking and buying UAE national team tickets and enjoying unforgettable experiences in the stands.

Upcoming UAE National Team Matches

Al Abyad's fans are looking forward to two important milestones next season, both being held on Saudi soil:

Gulf Cup 27 (2026 Arabian Gulf Cup)

The UAE national team takes part in the 27th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup, held in Jeddah from September 23 to October 6, 2026. Al Abyad tops Group 2 alongside Qatar, Bahrain, and Yemen:

UAE vs Yemen: Thursday, September 24, 2026
UAE vs Bahrain: Sunday, September 27, 2026
UAE vs Qatar: Wednesday, September 30, 2026

AFC Asian Cup 2027

Al Abyad takes part in the 19th edition of the AFC Asian Cup, hosted by Saudi Arabia from January 7 to February 5, 2027, aiming to match or surpass its run to the 1996 final. The UAE national team is in Group E alongside South Korea, Vietnam, and Yemen:

UAE vs Vietnam: Sunday, January 10, 2027
UAE vs Yemen: Friday, January 15, 2027
UAE vs South Korea: Wednesday, January 20, 2027

Additional friendly matches may be added to the schedule during upcoming international breaks, so it's recommended to keep an eye on the UAE national team page on FansPass to stay up to date on any new fixtures and book early.

How Much Do UAE National Team Tickets Cost?

Ticket prices for UAE national team matches vary depending on the tournament, the opponent, seat location, and the importance of the match. Al Abyad's decisive matches or fixtures against big-draw national teams typically see higher demand and higher prices. Below is an overview of the approximate price categories for the two upcoming tournaments, both held in Saudi Arabia:

UAE Ticket Prices at Gulf Cup 27

Category 4 (CAT 4): approximately SAR 191–300
Category 3 (CAT 3): approximately SAR 229–400
Category 2 (CAT 2): starting from approximately SAR 334
Category 1 (CAT 1): starting from approximately SAR 400
Prime: starting from approximately SAR 985
Premium and VIP: may reach approximately SAR 2,000 or more depending on the match, especially for Al Abyad's matches against host nations or historic rivals

UAE Ticket Prices at AFC Asian Cup 2027

Category 2 (CAT 2): approximately SAR 350–800
Category 1 (CAT 1): approximately SAR 400–1,400
Premium: approximately SAR 2,000–4,000
Platinum and Match Silver Village: starting from SAR 2,000, potentially exceeding SAR 5,000 depending on the venue and match
Match Club Gold: starting from SAR 9,000

These prices are approximate averages that vary from match to match and seat to seat, especially given the UAE's geographic proximity to Saudi Arabia and the expected strong turnout of UAE fans attending in person. It's always recommended to check the interactive seating map on each match page on FansPass for the exact price and actually available categories before completing your booking.

For those looking for the best value, booking early after sales open usually offers a better chance of securing lower prices compared to booking at the last minute before the match, when demand rises noticeably — especially for Al Abyad's decisive matches or fixtures against teams like Qatar and South Korea. You can also compare different categories using the interactive seating map on FansPass to find the best balance between seat location and budget.

How Can I Book UAE National Team Tickets?

The FansPass platform makes it possible to book and buy UAE national team tickets at the best prices, in a fully secure way, through a few simple steps:

Select the UAE national team: Choose the "UAE national team" destination as soon as you enter the FansPass platform.
Choose the match: Browse the list of UAE's matches at Gulf Cup 27 or the 2027 Asian Cup, and select the match you want to attend.
Ticket type: Select the ticket category that suits you and your family, and the number of tickets you need.
Discount code: Enter your discount code in the designated field (if you have one) to redeem your discount.
Personal details: Enter your email address accurately to complete the purchase and receive your tickets.
Payment method: Choose your preferred payment method, whether by credit card or through your FansPass wallet.
Receive your tickets: Once payment is completed successfully, check your email, where your digital tickets will be ready to use.

These simple steps let Al Abyad's fans in the UAE and across the Gulf book their tickets within minutes, with no need to navigate between multiple websites or worry about a seller's credibility, whether the match is at Gulf Cup 27 or the 2027 Asian Cup.

How Can I Guarantee the Lowest Price on UAE National Team Tickets?

If you've selected a seat for one of the UAE's matches and later find a cheaper price for it elsewhere, all you need to do is message us on WhatsApp with the following information:

The email address linked to your FansPass account
Your name and phone number
Your FansPass order number, and the name of the site where you found the lower price
A link to the checkout page on the competitor's website
A screenshot showing the price on the competitor's website at checkout (including all fees), along with the date and time

Within 30 minutes of your request on FansPass, our support team will verify your request and assist you immediately.

What Is the Best Site to Resell UAE National Team Tickets?

Many fans consider the FansPass platform the best site to resell UAE national team tickets, thanks to its trusted marketplace and pricing transparency. You can also track price drops, sort tickets by the best deals, and buy with full confidence thanks to the platform's buyer guarantee — whether you're looking for tickets to Gulf Cup 27 matches in Jeddah or 2027 Asian Cup matches across various cities in the Kingdom.

Why Buy UAE National Team Tickets From FansPass?

FansPass isn't just an ordinary ticket marketplace; we make finding and buying Al Abyad's tickets fast, easy, and worry-free.

Buyer guarantee: Every UAE national team ticket purchased through FansPass is protected by a 100% guarantee; we'll make it right, no matter what happens.
User-friendly interface: The FansPass platform is designed for easy browsing and searching, making it simple to find and buy tickets.
See the view from your seat before buying: The platform gives you a real preview of the sightline from your seat before you complete your purchase of Al Abyad tickets.
Price transparency: Fees are shown upfront and clearly, so there are no surprises or hidden charges at checkout.
Complete coverage of all Al Abyad matches: Whether it's a Gulf Cup 27 match or a 2027 Asian Cup match, FansPass brings all these events together in one place to make searching and booking easier for fans.
Support for cross-border fan trips: Given the UAE's proximity to Saudi Arabia, FansPass is committed to making the booking experience smooth for fans planning a short trip to follow Al Abyad live from the stands.
Easy access for the local fan base: Given the UAE's proximity to Saudi Arabia, FansPass is committed to making the booking and travel experience smooth for Al Abyad fans wanting to follow the team live from the stands.

Will My UAE National Team Tickets Booked Through FansPass Be Seated Together?

Yes, FansPass guarantees that UAE national team tickets purchased together in a single order will be seated together, unless otherwise noted in the listing details. This lets groups of friends or families sit together, ensuring an enjoyable shared experience with no worries about seating — whether you're a small group or an entire family coming to cheer on Al Abyad at a Gulf Cup 27 or 2027 Asian Cup match.

This guarantee is especially useful for UAE fans who typically plan short group trips to follow Al Abyad's matches on nearby Saudi soil, whether traveling as a group of friends or as an entire family.

Tips Before Buying UAE National Team Tickets

Confirm the ticket quantity: Make sure you select the full number of tickets you need in a single purchase.
Review the seating chart: Check the stadium map and the notes listed on the ticket details page.
Use filters: Use the search filters to find listings that offer the exact number of seats you need together.
Book early: Given the expected fan turnout for Al Abyad's matches at Gulf Cup 27 and the 2027 Asian Cup, it's advisable to book early before prices rise closer to matchday.
Watch for Al Abyad's decisive matches: Fixtures against big-draw national teams like Qatar and South Korea see significantly higher demand, so the more decisive a match becomes, the more important early booking is.
Take advantage of the short distance: Given the UAE's geographic proximity to Saudi Arabia, many UAE fans prefer to attend matches in person, which drives up ticket demand earlier compared to teams from farther afield.
Verify ticket authenticity: Always make sure you're buying through a trusted platform that offers a buyer guarantee, to avoid any counterfeit or questionable tickets.
Plan a short trip: Given the short distance, UAE fans can plan a day trip or a weekend getaway to attend an Al Abyad match without major logistical complications.

Can I Sell My UAE National Team Tickets on FansPass?

Yes — if you bought UAE national team tickets and can no longer attend, FansPass lets you relist them for sale to other fans through the following steps:

Log in: Open the platform and log in to your personal account.
Your profile: Click the "My Account" icon.
Start selling: From the available menu, select "Sell."
Add tickets: Click the "Add Tickets" option.
Select the event: Choose the relevant match.
Ticket details: Add all the required details and information for the ticket(s) you want to sell.
Proof of purchase: Upload proof and documentation verifying the ticket's authenticity.
Splitting method: Choose the appropriate method for splitting the tickets for listing.
Set the price: Set the price you'd like to sell the ticket for.
Save and publish: Click "Save" to list your ticket directly on the platform's marketplace for interested buyers.

History of the UAE National Team

The UAE Football Association was founded in 1971, alongside the founding of the United Arab Emirates itself, joining FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in 1974. Since then, Al Abyad has undergone a steady process of development, benefiting from major investments in sports infrastructure and the domestic league.

The 1990s were the golden era of UAE football, when the national team qualified for the 1990 World Cup in Italy, then hosted the 1996 Asian Cup and reached the final on home soil with extraordinary fan support, before losing the title on penalties to Saudi Arabia. That golden period laid the foundation for a generation of legendary players still fondly remembered by UAE fans today.

Al Abyad maintained its presence at continental and regional competitions over the following two decades, winning the 2007 Arabian Gulf Cup on home soil and reaching the semifinals of the 2015 Asian Cup in Australia, before taking third place in that edition following a win over Iraq. Recent years have seen a period of rebuilding and generational renewal, with a sustained effort to recapture the influential presence the national team held during its golden era.

Today, with Al Abyad competing at Gulf Cup 27 and the 2027 Asian Cup on Saudi soil, UAE fans are looking forward to the national team's return to the podium, aided by its geographic proximity to the host of both tournaments and the enthusiasm of fans who have long supported the team both at home and abroad.

In terms of generations, UAE football is tied to a golden generation that led the national team to its 1990 and 1996 achievements, followed by subsequent generations that maintained Al Abyad's presence at continental competitions without adding a new continental title. With the emergence of stars like Ali Mabkhout, whose international career has spanned more than a decade and a half, the UAE Football Association is working to build a new generation capable of carrying that legacy forward, through growing investment in the domestic professional league and youth academies, aiming to bring Al Abyad back into serious contention for continental and regional titles in the years ahead.

UAE National Team Achievements

Al Abyad has a record of significant continental and regional achievements, despite the absence of a major title from its trophy cabinet so far:

Reaching the 1996 Asian Cup final: Al Abyad's best-ever continental result, achieved as tournament host, losing the title on penalties to Saudi Arabia after a final played in an extraordinary atmosphere
2007 Arabian Gulf Cup: The national team's only regional title to date, won on home soil
1990 World Cup appearance: One of the first Gulf national teams to reach the World Cup finals
Third place at the 2015 Asian Cup: After defeating Iraq in the third-place match in Australia
Hosting the 2019 Asian Cup: A successful staging of a major continental edition that drew fans from across Asia
Consistent presence at the Arabian Gulf Cup: With regular participation in every edition of the tournament since its inception, reflecting Al Abyad's established standing within the Gulf football community

UAE's World Cup Participation and Best Result

The UAE national team has had one experience to date in World Cup history:

1990 (Italy): Al Abyad's first and, so far, only World Cup appearance, where the UAE was drawn into a tough group featuring West Germany, Yugoslavia, and Colombia. The team was eliminated at the group stage with three defeats, but simply reaching the World Cup at that early stage in the country's history was a major achievement worth celebrating, and remains to this day one of the standout milestones in UAE football, with renewed hope among fans of repeating that achievement in the future.

Since that historic 1990 qualification, Al Abyad has made numerous attempts to return to the World Cup through successive Asian qualifying campaigns, coming close to reaching the decisive rounds on more than one occasion, though fierce competition across the Asian continent has prevented another qualification so far. The dream of returning to the World Cup remains a top priority for the UAE Football Association and the technical staff going forward, drawing on accumulated experience and growing investment in the youth national teams.

UAE National Team's All-Time Top Scorer

Striker Ali Mabkhout sits atop the list of the UAE national team's all-time top scorers by a wide margin, having scored more than 80 international goals since first wearing the white shirt, making him one of the most prolific scorers in the history of Asian and Gulf football, and one of the most prolific international goalscorers in the world over the past decade.

Mabkhout stands as an exceptional example of consistency and longevity over a long international career, having maintained a high level of performance across various stages of his time with the national team, and having contributed directly to Al Abyad's most notable achievements over the past decade. His scoring record remains a benchmark that no UAE striker is likely to approach in the foreseeable future, especially since Mabkhout continued playing for Al Abyad for many years after his international debut, giving him the chance to add to his tally year after year and move closer to the ranks of the world's top international goalscorers.

When Was the UAE National Team's First-Ever Match?

The UAE Football Association was founded in 1971, alongside the founding of the country, with Al Abyad joining FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation in 1974. Its first-ever match came on March 17, 1972, against Qatar at the Gulf Cup. The match ended in a 1-0 win for the UAE, with the historic first goal scored by Ahmed Shoubi.

Has the UAE National Team Ever Qualified for the World Cup?

Yes, Al Abyad competed at the 1990 World Cup finals in Italy, its only appearance in the tournament's history to date, with ongoing efforts to repeat that achievement in future qualifying campaigns.

What Is the UAE National Team's Best Asian Cup Result?

Its best result was reaching the 1996 Asian Cup final on home soil, where Al Abyad lost the title on penalties to Saudi Arabia.

Has the UAE National Team Won the Arabian Gulf Cup?

Yes, Al Abyad has won the Arabian Gulf Cup once, at the 2007 edition held on home soil, amid major fan celebrations across the country's emirates.

Has the UAE Ever Hosted the Asian Cup?

Yes, the UAE has hosted the Asian Cup twice, in 1996 and 2019, both considered among the most successful editions in the tournament's history in terms of organization and fan turnout.

Where and When Does the UAE National Team Play Its Next Match?

Al Abyad competes at the Arabian Gulf Cup ("Gulf Cup 27") in Jeddah from September 23 to October 6, 2026, ahead of competing at the 2027 Asian Cup hosted by Saudi Arabia from January 7 to February 5, 2027.

What Is the UAE National Team's Best World Cup Result?

Al Abyad was eliminated at the group stage in its only appearance in 1990 without a win, but simply qualifying was a major achievement for a country that had only recently gained independence at the time.

Who Are the UAE's Group Opponents at the 2027 Asian Cup?

Al Abyad is in Group E alongside South Korea, Vietnam, and Yemen — a balanced group featuring teams from both the western and eastern parts of the Asian continent, providing a genuine test of the UAE national team's level ahead of any potential knockout rounds.

Has the UAE National Team Played in the Arab Cup?

Yes, Al Abyad has competed in several editions of the Arab Cup without winning the title so far, remaining one of the regular participants in this Arab tournament.

Can I Buy Tickets for All of the UAE's Gulf Cup 27 and 2027 Asian Cup Matches in One Place?

Yes, FansPass offers all of Al Abyad's matches across both tournaments on one dedicated national team page, making it easy to track fixtures and book without needing to navigate between multiple sources.

Does the UAE National Team Compete in Both Gulf Cup 27 and the 2027 Asian Cup?

Yes, Al Abyad competes in both tournaments within the same season, starting with Gulf Cup 27 in September and October 2026, followed by the 2027 Asian Cup in January and February of the following year.