The Lebanese national football team departed for the UAE on Saturday evening in preparation for their first matches in the dual Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup and the 2027 Asian Cup. Our team will play their opening match against their Palestinian counterpart next Thursday at 16:00 Beirut time at Khalid Bin Mohammed Stadium in Sharjah, within Group 9, which also includes Bangladesh and Australia.
The players selected by coach Nikola Jurcevic agreed to strive for a perfect start in their Asian qualifying campaign, as the first match is crucial for gaining an early advantage in securing a spot in the Asian Cup, and for morale, as a victory would provide an important boost to strengthen the "Cedars' " position in their group starting from the first match.
Midfielder Mohamed Haidar emphasized the importance of a positive launch, stating: "We always aspire to achieve the best in every challenge, and the players have the necessary determination to make their presence felt against their opponents. I have full confidence that this team has all the potential to leave a good impression and secure victories."
His teammate, defender Nassar Nassar, said: "Every match has its importance, and the opening match always has a certain significance. We understand the national duty required of us, and we will spare no effort to obtain the first three points given their utmost importance."
Goalkeeper Mustafa Matar added: "This qualifying round may be tougher than the previous one due to the development of most Asian countries, but Lebanon's skilled players in every line bring confidence to everyone that this team will succeed in achieving its desired goals."
Defender Khalil Khamis also noted the progress made by the Lebanese Football Federation to develop the team in recent times, adding: "We have felt in the last two matches the improvement in our team despite the short time the new coach has been with us, so I believe that with time and improved harmony between our coach's ideas and the players' technical capabilities, we will find a cohesive and strong team that reflects its true overall level."
