What is new in the squad for Cosmin Olariu against Uzbekistan?

The UAE and Uzbekistan national teams will meet in Abu Dhabi on June 5 in the 9th round of the 2026 World Cup 3rd qualifying round. This match is crucial for both teams. While only a victory is important for the UAE team, a draw is also a possible result that could take Uzbekistan to the World Cup.

On the eve of this match, the Romanian head coach of the UAE national team, Cosmin Olariu, is expected to make a number of changes to the starting lineup. Arab analysts have announced his possible starting lineup.

New plan: a combination of experience and talent
Olariu is said to be trying to combine moderately experienced and young talented players in the starting lineup. Fans and experts are especially expecting 32-year-old central midfielder Majed Hassan to play a decisive role in the team's core.

The predicted lineup is as follows:
• Goalkeeper: Khalid Eissa - the experienced goalkeeper will once again play a key role in the team's back line.
• Defenders: Khalifa Al Hammadi, Lucas Pimenta, Khalid Al Danani and Alaa Eldin Zuhair - the team's back four. Pimenta and Al Danani will be required to maintain the intensity of the game.
• Midfielders: Majed Hassan, Yahya Nadir, Abdullah Ramadan - this trio is expected to provide the team with speed and ball control. The figure in the center of special attention is Majed Hassan.
• Forward: Ali Salih, Luan Pereira and Caio Lucas - this trio in the front line can keep the opponent's defense under pressure.

Possibility on the bench
In addition to the main squad, Cosmin Olariu has also brought with him a number of high-potential reserve players. Among them are players such as Sasha Ivkovic, Kouame Kouadi, Marcus Meloni, Yahya Al Ghassani, Harib Abdullah and Fabio Lima.

If there is a need to strengthen the attack or change the style of play during the game, it is these players who can play a decisive role.

Conclusion: UAE is using its maximum resources
Ahead of the important match against Uzbekistan, the UAE coaching staff is testing all the possibilities of the squad. Cosmin Olariu's strategic decisions and the performance of experienced players such as Majed Hassan could decide the fate of this match.

The clash at Al Nahyan Stadium on June 5 will be a battle not only for points but also for a place in history. Therefore, every player will have to perform at their maximum on the field.