The UAE National Minifootball Team is preparing to compete in the Asian Cup, which will take place in Jakarta, Indonesia, from 13 to 18 September 2026, as the national team looks to deliver a strong continental performance and pursue qualification for the 2027 World Cup.
The Minifootball Committee of the UAE Sports for All Federation has confirmed a 16-player squad for the tournament following a 60-day preparation programme designed to enhance the players’ technical and physical readiness ahead of the Asian competition.
The UAE delegation is scheduled to depart for Jakarta on 11 September, ahead of the start of the tournament, with the team aiming to showcase the continued development of minifootball in the UAE.
Abdullah Hassan Al Darmaki, Board Member of the UAE Sports for All Federation, Minifootball Supervisor and Head of the Delegation, said the national team is entering a new phase of international participation, highlighting the importance of the Asian competition as a qualifying event for the 2027 World Cup.
He noted that the UAE heads into the tournament with strong ambitions to reach the World Cup finals, while continuing to develop the sport and raise the competitive level of its players, building on the success of recent domestic competitions.
The Asian Cup will also provide UAE players with valuable international experience and an opportunity to compete against teams from across the continent, supporting the continued growth of minifootball and strengthening the UAE’s presence in regional and continental competitions.