Nepal is set to face off against the UAE in a joint qualification match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the AFC Asian Cup 2027.
The Group H match will commence at 9:45 pm Nepali time at Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
Originally scheduled to be held at Nepal’s home ground, Dashrath Rangshala, the match has been relocated to a neutral venue due to concerns raised by the AFC regarding the stadium’s condition, including issues with floodlights and security. As a result, Nepal lost the chance to host the game on their home turf.
In the second round of qualifiers, Nepal has struggled, losing all four of their previous matches and sitting at the bottom of the group with no points. In contrast, the UAE has dominated Group H, winning all four matches and securing their spot in the third round of World Cup qualifiers as well as a place in the Asian Cup. The UAE leads the group with 12 points, followed by Bahrain with 9 points. Yemen is in third place with 3 points. Bahrain, having almost secured advancement to the third stage, will be playing against Yemen at home today.