I am living the dream of contributing to the “white” rise to the World Cup

Al-Wasl and the national team player, Nicolas Jimenez, confirmed that he is experiencing a state of great enthusiasm and focus before the next stage of the national team’s journey in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, pointing out that he is looking forward to giving everything he has to help the team in its next matches against Oman and Qatar.

Jimenez told Emirates Today that he is living a dream of contributing to the team’s qualification for the World Cup, and he is on the cusp of playing his first official international match in his career, stressing that he feels great pride in representing the national team after a long wait, considering that obtaining the Emirati passport and being called up to the ranks of the team were among the happiest moments of his football life, adding that he worked and worked hard for five full years to achieve this dream that has become fact.

Jimenez explained that he hopes to be part of the national team during the two decisive matches against Oman and Qatar, next Saturday and Tuesday, stressing that he will do everything he can, whether he is on or off the roster, stressing that he will remain supportive of the national team in all circumstances, and that his most important goal is to see the team achieve success and qualify for the World Cup.

He added that he felt satisfied with the level he presented during the previous two friendly matches, considering that the experience was fruitful in terms of harmony with the rest of the players and getting to know more about the coach’s style and way of playing.

Nicholas continued his speech, saying: “The national team has begun to show signs of cohesion and harmony, despite the difficult stage it is going through due to the different clubs to which the players belong, as the recent camps have contributed to increasing understanding between everyone and improving collective performance on the field.”

He added: “The team benefited greatly from the preparations held in Dubai, as well as from previous camps abroad, while the team began to acquire a strong personality, and the positive atmosphere within the camp reflects the common desire to achieve a great achievement.”

Jimenez indicated that he realizes the magnitude of the responsibility placed on each player at this sensitive stage, especially since the team has not participated in the World Cup for a long time, indicating that this ambition gives everyone an additional incentive to give their best in the qualifying round for the World Cup.

He explained that his feeling before playing his first official matches with the national team was a mixture of enthusiasm and anticipation, but he stressed that he was mentally and physically prepared for those challenges. He said that he considers every match an unmissable opportunity to prove himself and contribute to achieving the fans’ dream.

The Al-Wasl player concluded his speech by stressing that he will do his best during the coming period, whether in training or official matches, indicating that the high team spirit and mutual trust between the players and the technical staff represent a decisive factor in the team’s ambition to achieve the dream of qualifying for the World Cup. He said that the next stage requires focus and hard work, and staying away from any pressure, because the goal is clear to everyone, which is to make the Emirati masses happy and raise the country’s name high in international forums.

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Nicolas Jimenez said that his family and friends feel proud after he was included in the UAE national team roster, indicating that he receives great support from them for the success of his new career with the UAE national team.

He added: “When I was informed of my joining Al-Abyad, this was considered a historic day and a defining moment in my career for me and my family, especially since I have lived in the Emirates for many years and feel a true belonging to it, and therefore my dream has always been to defend the colors of the national team.”